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
License
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
Permalink -

https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/8z8z2/sri-lankan-fashion-designers-self-directed-learning-in-the-apparel-industry

Log in to edit

Restricted files

Publisher's version

  • 25
    total views
  • 0
    total downloads
  • 2
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month
These values are for the period from 19th October 2020, when this repository was created.

Export as

Related outputs

“Just to make new friends and play with other children” : Understanding youth engagement within neighbourhood parks using a Photo-Choice tool
Ziaesaeidi, Parisa, Cushing, Debra Flanders, Washington, Tracy and Buys, Laurie. (2023). “Just to make new friends and play with other children” : Understanding youth engagement within neighbourhood parks using a Photo-Choice tool. Landscape and Urban Planning. 235, p. Article 104757. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2023.104757
A follow-up spatial analysis of naturally occurring retirement communities in the greater Brisbane region : Using the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census data (2021)
E, Jiaxuan, Xia, Bo, Buys, Laurie, Chen, Qing and Susilawati, Connie. (2023). A follow-up spatial analysis of naturally occurring retirement communities in the greater Brisbane region : Using the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census data (2021). Buildings. 13(2), p. Article 359. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020359
Fears and freedoms : A qualitative analysis of older adults’ basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, relatedness and beneficence
Dendle, Kelli, Buys, Laurie, Vine, Desley and Washington, Tracy. (2022). Fears and freedoms : A qualitative analysis of older adults’ basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, relatedness and beneficence. Australasian Journal on Ageing. 41(2), pp. 229-236. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.13009
‘Kookaburras, kangaroos and my frilly-necked lizard’ : The value of wildlife, nature and companion animals for older community-dwelling Australians
Dendle, Kelli, Miller, Evonne, Buys, Laurie and Vine, Desley. (2022). ‘Kookaburras, kangaroos and my frilly-necked lizard’ : The value of wildlife, nature and companion animals for older community-dwelling Australians. Australasian Journal on Ageing. 41(2), pp. 335-339. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.13070
Retirement can wait : A phenomenographic exploration of professional baby-boomer engagement in non-standard employment
Niesel, Christoph, Buys, Laurie, Nili, Alireza and Miller, Evonne. (2022). Retirement can wait : A phenomenographic exploration of professional baby-boomer engagement in non-standard employment. Ageing and Society. 42(6), pp. 1378-1402. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X20001555
Domestic refugee architecture in Jordan : A socio-spatial analysis of chaotic camps
Hanna, Dima M., Buys, Laurie and Kumarasuriyar, Anoma. (2022). Domestic refugee architecture in Jordan : A socio-spatial analysis of chaotic camps. The Journal of Architecture. 27(1), pp. 44-70. https://doi.org/10.1080/13602365.2022.2062034
Sustainable urban development for older Australians : Understanding the formation of naturally occurring retirement communities in the greater Brisbane region
Jiaxuan, E.., Xia, Bo, Buys, Laurie and Yigitcanlar, Tan. (2021). Sustainable urban development for older Australians : Understanding the formation of naturally occurring retirement communities in the greater Brisbane region. Sustainability. 13(17), p. Article 9853. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179853
Online health communities, contributions to caregivers and resilience of older adults
Kamalpour, Mostafa, Rezaei Aghdam, Atae, Watson, Jason, Tariq, Amina, Buys, Laurie, Eden, Rebekah and Rehan, Syed. (2021). Online health communities, contributions to caregivers and resilience of older adults. Health and Social Care in the Community. 29(2), pp. 328-343. https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.13247
From fibre to fashion : Understanding the value of sustainability in global cotton textile and apparel value chains
Mellick, Zoe, Payne, Alice and Buys, Laurie. (2021). From fibre to fashion : Understanding the value of sustainability in global cotton textile and apparel value chains. Sustainability. 13(22), p. Article 12681. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212681
Sustainable living environment in retirement villages : What matters to residents?
Xia, Bo, Chen, Qing, Buys, Laurie, Skitmore, Martin and Walliah, Jerry. (2021). Sustainable living environment in retirement villages : What matters to residents? Journal of Aging and Environment. 35(4), pp. 370-384. https://doi.org/10.1080/26892618.2020.1848965
My home in later life : A phenomenographic study of older adults' experience of home
Dendle, Kelli, Miller, Evonne, Buys, Laurie and Vine, Desley. (2021). My home in later life : A phenomenographic study of older adults' experience of home. Journal of Aging Studies. 57, p. Article 100935. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2021.100935
Understanding the dynamic behaviour of the Australian retirement village industry : A causal loop diagram
Xia, Bo, Chen, Qing, Walliah, Jerry, Buys, Laurie, Skitmore, Martin and Susilawati, Connie. (2021). Understanding the dynamic behaviour of the Australian retirement village industry : A causal loop diagram. International Journal of Strategic Property Management. 25(5), pp. 346-355. https://doi.org/10.3846/ijspm.2021.15063
The lived experience of residents in an emerging master-planned community
Buys, Laurie, Newton, Cameron and Walker, Nicole. (2021). The lived experience of residents in an emerging master-planned community. Sustainability. 13(21), p. Article 12158. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112158
What older adults do in online communities when they co-create and co-destruct value
Kamalpour, Mostafa, Eden, Rebekah, Syed, Rehan, Buys, Laurie, Tariq, Amina and Watson, Jason. (2021). What older adults do in online communities when they co-create and co-destruct value. International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences. 13(3), pp. 433-455. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQSS-03-2020-0043
‘I want to buy my own block of land’ : Representation of urban settlement communities in Papua New Guinea
Molus, Wilma, Thomas, Verena, Kauli, Jackie and Buys, Laurie. (2021). ‘I want to buy my own block of land’ : Representation of urban settlement communities in Papua New Guinea. Pacific Journalism Review. 27(1-2), pp. 232-250. https://doi.org/10.24135/pjr.v27i1and2.1196
Understanding spatial distribution of retirement villages : An analysis of the greater Brisbane region
Xia, Bo, E, Jiaxuan, Chen, Qing, Buys, Laurie, Yigitcanlar, Tan and Susilawati, Connie. (2021). Understanding spatial distribution of retirement villages : An analysis of the greater Brisbane region. Urban Science. 5(4), p. Article 89. https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci5040089
Improving the sustainable retirement village framework : From theory to practice
Hu, Xin, Xia, Bo, Chong, Heap-Yih, Skitmore, Martin and Buys, Laurie. (2020). Improving the sustainable retirement village framework : From theory to practice. Journal of Cleaner Production. 248, p. Article 119290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119290
How can online communities support resilience factors among older adults
Kamalpour, Mostafa, Watson, Jason and Buys, Laurie. (2020). How can online communities support resilience factors among older adults. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction. 36(14), pp. 1342-1353. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2020.1749817
The happiness initiative : Changing organizational culture to make 'brilliance' mainstream in aged care
Miller, Evonne, Devlin, Nicole, Buys, Laurie and Donoghue, Geraldine. (2020). The happiness initiative : Changing organizational culture to make 'brilliance' mainstream in aged care. Journal of Management and Organization. 26(3), pp. 296-308. https://doi.org/10.1017/jmo.2019.59
A social semiotic approach and a visual analysis approach for chinese traditional visual language : A case of tea packaging design
Hu, Bin, Zelenko, Oksana, Pinxit, Vaughn and Buys, Elinor Laurie. (2019). A social semiotic approach and a visual analysis approach for chinese traditional visual language : A case of tea packaging design. Theory and Practice in Language Studies. 9(2), pp. 168-177. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.0902.06
What hinders the development of Chinese continuing care retirement community sector? A news coverage analysis
Hu, Xin, Xia, Bo, Hu, Yi, Skitmore, Martin and Buys, Laurie. (2019). What hinders the development of Chinese continuing care retirement community sector? A news coverage analysis. International Journal of Strategic Property Management. 23(2), pp. 108-116. https://doi.org/10.3846/ijspm.2019.7436
Photovoice in aged care : What do residents value?
Miller, Evonne, Buys, Laurie and Donoghue, Geraldine. (2019). Photovoice in aged care : What do residents value? Australasian Journal on Ageing. 38(3), pp. e93-e97. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12641
Fostering social sustainability through intergenerational engagement in Australian neighborhood parks
Washington, Tracy L., Flanders Cushing, Debra, Mackenzie, Janelle, Buys, Laurie and Trost, Stewart. (2019). Fostering social sustainability through intergenerational engagement in Australian neighborhood parks. Sustainability. 11(16), p. Article 4435. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11164435
Benefit assessment of battery plus solar for customers and the grid
Boulaire, Fanny, Narimani, Afsaneh, Bell, John, Drogemuller, Robin, Vine, Desley, Buys, Laurie and Walker, Geoffrey. (2019). Benefit assessment of battery plus solar for customers and the grid. Energy Strategy Reviews. 26, p. Article 100372. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2019.100372
The fashion designer’s evolving role in the apparel value chain : Perspectives from Sri Lankan designers
Gopura, Sumith, Payne, Alice and Buys, Laurie. (2019). The fashion designer’s evolving role in the apparel value chain : Perspectives from Sri Lankan designers. Fashion Practice. 11(2), pp. 175-196. https://doi.org/10.1080/17569370.2019.1607224
Fashion exposure : Sri Lankan apparel industry designer interactions with the world of fashion
Gopura, Sumith, Payne, Alice Ruth, Buys, Laurie and Bandara, Deepthi Chandrika. (2019). Fashion exposure : Sri Lankan apparel industry designer interactions with the world of fashion. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management. 23(4), pp. 466-486. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFMM-10-2018-0137
Fashion education in Sri Lanka : The nexus between formal and informal education
Gopura, Sumith, Payne, Alice, Bandara, Deepthi C., Buys, Laurie and Seneheweera, Leena. (2019). Fashion education in Sri Lanka : The nexus between formal and informal education. International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education. 12(1), pp. 23-34. https://doi.org/10.1080/17543266.2018.1467500
Aging, exercise and motivating engagement
Boulton-Lewis G. M., Buys, L., Lewis, C. O., Vine, D. and Dendle, K.. (2019). Aging, exercise and motivating engagement. Educational Gerontology. 45(6), pp. 390-400. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2019.1641308
Later-Life gardening in a retirement community : sites of identity, resilience and creativity
Miller, Evonne, Donoghue, Geraldine, Sullivan, Debra and Buys, Elinor Laurie. (2018). Later-Life gardening in a retirement community : sites of identity, resilience and creativity. In Resilience and Ageing: Creativity, Culture and Community pp. 249-266 Policy Press. https://doi.org/10.51952/9781447340935.ch011
A practice mining system for the delivery of sustainable retirement villages
Hu, Xin, Xia, Bo, Chen, Qing, Skitmore, Martin, Buys, Laurie and Wu, Peng. (2018). A practice mining system for the delivery of sustainable retirement villages. Journal of Cleaner Production. 203, pp. 943-956. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.08.184
Providing a sustainable living environment in not-for-profit retirement villages : A case study in Australia
Hu, Xin, Xia, Bo, Skitmore, Martin and Buys, Laurie. (2018). Providing a sustainable living environment in not-for-profit retirement villages : A case study in Australia. Facilities. 36(5-6), pp. 272-290. https://doi.org/10.1108/F-02-2017-0013
Critical success factors for peak electricity demand reduction : Insights from a successful intervention in a small island community
Morris, Peter, Vine, Desley and Buys, Laurie. (2018). Critical success factors for peak electricity demand reduction : Insights from a successful intervention in a small island community. Journal of Consumer Policy. 41(1), pp. 33-54. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10603-017-9366-8
The contextual dimension of risk dialogues : The case of water recycling weblogs in South East Queensland, Australia
Summerville, Jennifer, Miller, Evonne, Bell, Lorraine and Buys, Elinor Laurie. (2017). The contextual dimension of risk dialogues : The case of water recycling weblogs in South East Queensland, Australia. In World Sustainable Development Outlook 2007: Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development in the 21st Century pp. 256-263 Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351280242-24
Similarities and differences in views of ageing and learning in Hong Kong and Australia
Tam, Maureen, Boulton-Lewis, Gillian, Buys, Laurie and Chui, Ernest. (2017). Similarities and differences in views of ageing and learning in Hong Kong and Australia. Educational Gerontology. 43(8), pp. 393-403. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2017.1309634
System dynamic simulation : A new method in social impact assessment (SIA)
Karami, Shobeir, Karami, Ezatollah, Buys, Laurie and Drogemuller, Robin. (2017). System dynamic simulation : A new method in social impact assessment (SIA). Environmental Impact Assessment Review. 62, pp. 25-34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2016.07.009
Ageing, loss, and learning : Hong Kong and Australian seniors
Boulton-Lewis, Gillian M., Pike, Lucinda, Tam, Maureen and Buys, Laurie. (2017). Ageing, loss, and learning : Hong Kong and Australian seniors. Educational Gerontology. 43(2), pp. 89-100. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2016.1262144
Retirement villages in Australia : A literature review
Hu, Xin, Xia, Bo, Skitmore, Martin, Buys, Laurie and Zuo, Jian. (2017). Retirement villages in Australia : A literature review. Pacific Rim Property Research Journal. 23(1), pp. 101-122. https://doi.org/10.1080/14445921.2017.1298949
Co-futuring narratives for Toowoomba – A regional Australian community
Wright, David L., Baker, Douglas, Buys, Laurie, Cuthill, Michael, Mayere, Severine and Susilawati, Connie. (2017). Co-futuring narratives for Toowoomba – A regional Australian community. Journal of Futures Studies. 22(1), pp. 19-38. https://doi.org/10.6531/JFS.2017.22(1).A19
What is a sustainable retirement village? Perceptions of Australian developers
Hu, Xin, Xia, Bo, Skitmore, Martin, Buys, Laurie and Hu, Yi. (2017). What is a sustainable retirement village? Perceptions of Australian developers. Journal of Cleaner Production. 164, pp. 179-186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.06.227
Influence of demographic variables on uptake of domestic solar photovoltaic technology
Sommerfeld, Jeff, Buys, Laurie, Mengersen, Kerrie and Vine, Desley. (2017). Influence of demographic variables on uptake of domestic solar photovoltaic technology. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 67, pp. 315-323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.09.009
Technical requirements of age-friendly smart home technologies in high-rise residential buildings : A system intelligence analytical approach
Wong, Johnny Kwok-Wai, Leung, Jodith, Skitmore, Martin and Buys, Laurie. (2017). Technical requirements of age-friendly smart home technologies in high-rise residential buildings : A system intelligence analytical approach. Automation in Construction. 73, pp. 12-19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2016.10.007
Availability of services in registered retirement villages in Queensland, Australia : A content analysis
Hu, Xin, Xia, Bo, Buys, Laurie and Skitmore, Martin. (2017). Availability of services in registered retirement villages in Queensland, Australia : A content analysis. Australasian Journal on Ageing. 36(4), pp. 308-312. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12445
Residential consumers’ experiences in the adoption and use of solar PV
Sommerfeld, Jeff, Buys, Laurie and Vine, Desley. (2017). Residential consumers’ experiences in the adoption and use of solar PV. Energy Policy. 105, pp. 10-16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2017.02.021
Towards more culturally inclusive domestic toilet facilities in Australia
Othman, Zulkeplee and Buys, Laurie. (2016). Towards more culturally inclusive domestic toilet facilities in Australia. Frontiers of Architectural Research. 5(3), pp. 383-391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2016.06.004
Regional variation in social isolation amongst older Australians
Beer, Andrew, Faulkner, Debbie, Law, Julia, Lewin, Gill, Tinker, Anthea, Buys, Elinor Laurie, Bentley, Rebecca, Watt, Amber, McKechnie, Sue and Chessman, Susan. (2016). Regional variation in social isolation amongst older Australians. Regional Studies, Regional Science. 3(1), pp. 170-184. https://doi.org/10.1080/21681376.2016.1144481
Ageing and learning as conceptualized by senior adults in two cultures : Hong Kong and Australia
Tam, Maureen, Aird, Rosemary, Boulton-Lewis, Gillian and Buys, Laurie. (2016). Ageing and learning as conceptualized by senior adults in two cultures : Hong Kong and Australia. Current Aging Science. 9(3), pp. 162-177. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874609809666160506121845
Older Australians : Structural barriers to learning in later life
Boulton-Lewis, GIllian, Aird, Rosemary and Buys, Laurie. (2016). Older Australians : Structural barriers to learning in later life. Current Aging Science. 9(3), pp. 188-195. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874609809666160506122131
Ageing and learning in Australia : Arguing an evidence base for informed and equitable policy
Cuthill, Michael, Buys, Laurie, Wilson, Bruce, Kimberley, Helen, Reghenzani, Denise, Kearns, Peter, Thompson, Sally, Golding, Barry, Root, Jo and Weston, Rhonda. (2016). Ageing and learning in Australia : Arguing an evidence base for informed and equitable policy. Current Aging Science. 9(3), pp. 196-202. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874609809666160506122322
Hong Kong and Australian seniors : Views of aging and learning
Boulton-Lewis, Gillian M., Tam, M., Buys, Laurie and Chui, Ernest Wing-tak. (2016). Hong Kong and Australian seniors : Views of aging and learning. Educational Gerontology. 42(11), pp. 758-770. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2016.1231507