Sri Lankan fashion designers : Self-directed learning in the apparel industry

Journal article

Gopura, Sumith, Payne, Alice, Bandara, Deepthi and Buys, Laurie. (2023). Sri Lankan fashion designers : Self-directed learning in the apparel industry. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal. 41(4), pp. 259-276. https://doi.org/10.1177/0887302X211049516
AuthorsGopura, Sumith, Payne, Alice, Bandara, Deepthi and Buys, Laurie
Abstract

The Sri Lankan apparel industry is currently in transition from apparel assembly to manufacturing original designs as a value addition. Design teams work closely with Western brands, buyers and designers to offer advanced creative and technical design services. The purpose of this article is to investigate how Sri Lankan designers acquire personal, high-value fashion knowledge and design skills in this crucial time of industry transition. The study adopts a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews conducted with 28 fashion design and product development professionals in the industry. Based on an inductive thematic analysis, the study finds that Sri Lankan designers’ acquisition of high-value fashion knowledge and skills comes primarily through their self-directed learning. This study proposes the Designers’ Self-Directed Learning Cycle to illustrate how designers’ learning happens and is applied in their professional practice. The findings are significant in understanding the designers’ practice in the export-oriented apparel value chain.

Keywordsapparel industry; apparel design; design process
Year2023
JournalClothing and Textiles Research Journal
Journal citation41 (4), pp. 259-276
PublisherSAGE Publications
ISSN1940-2473
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/0887302X211049516
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85118385010
Page range259-276
FunderQueensland University of Technology (QUT)
Publisher's version
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All rights reserved
File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online29 Oct 2021
Publication process dates
Completed29 Oct 2021
Deposited04 Sep 2023
Grant IDUCG/DRIC/QUT2015/MRT/02
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