Learning through Disruptive Interactions

Fashion education has evolved to meet the changing needs of the industry and train creative individuals to become effective storytellers, imagemakers, curators and producers. The role of fashion is becoming an increasingly important medium to communicate unique narratives, develop ways of portraying, reimagine museum and retail spaces, and explore innovative ideas, processes and business solutions. This paper examines the unique positioning of fashion education in Southeast Asia and the significance of redefining the impact of fashion through experiences of disruption, displacement and discomfort. As the field of fashion continues to extend into neighbouring disciplines of design and related industries, the student learning experience needs to respond with rigorous enquiries that confront existing notions of fashion as both a system and means for innovation. The case-studies included in this paper reconcile the challenges of developing an Asian design language in Southeast Asia against a retail landscape dominated by Western fashion.