Fashion as a Tool for Social Change 2027 | FTSC Conference

About FTSC-2027 About Woxsen SOAD Conference Themes Subthemes & Tracks Abstract Submission Paper Submission Registration

The 4th edition of the Fashion as a Tool for Social Change (FTSC–27) conference brings together academicians, researchers, designers, industry professionals, policymakers, and craft practitioners to examine the evolving role of fashion in society. Organized by the School of Arts and Design, Woxsen University, FTSC–27 continues its commitment to positioning fashion as a discipline that contributes meaningfully to social, cultural, economic, and environmental development.

FTSC–27 builds upon the achievements of previous editions and moves the discussion toward practical and research-driven solutions. The conference focuses on how fashion can respond to contemporary global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, cultural erosion, technological transformation, and social inequality.

A key emphasis of FTSC–27 is regenerative and circular practice. The conference encourages research on sustainable materials, responsible production systems, zero-waste design, and circular economy models that reduce environmental impact and promote long-term ecological balance.

The conference also highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage. It supports dialogue on reviving indigenous crafts, promoting ethical collaborations between designers and artisans, and ensuring cultural authenticity in contemporary design practices.

Technology is another important dimension of FTSC–27. The conference explores the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, digital fashion platforms, and wearable technologies to enhance transparency, efficiency, and creative processes, while also addressing ethical and social concerns. Inclusivity and social empowerment remain central themes. FTSC–27 encourages discussions on adaptive fashion, gender-inclusive design, equitable representation, and economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and skill development.

By integrating academic research with industry practice and policy dialogue, FTSC–27 aims to create a collaborative platform that supports innovation, accountability, and measurable impact. The conference reaffirms that fashion is not only about aesthetics and commerce, but also about cultural dialogue, environmental responsibility, and social progress.

Objectives

Promote regenerative and circular fashion through sustainable materials and zero-waste systems.
Encourage responsible use of AI, blockchain, and digital tools in the fashion industry.
Support the preservation of indigenous crafts and ethical collaborations.
Advance inclusive, adaptive, and socially responsive design practices.
Strengthen entrepreneurship, craft development, and policy dialogue to support equitable growth

The School of Arts and Design (SOAD) stands as a hub of creative excellence and socially responsive design education. Ranked #2 in India and #1 at the state level by IIRF 2025, SOAD redefines design as a powerful tool for innovation and social impact. Its pedagogy integrates sustainability, interdisciplinary thinking, and strong industry alignment, enabling students to address complex global challenges through design-led solutions.

At SOAD, students are nurtured as critical thinkers and responsible practitioners, equipped with research capabilities, market awareness, and cultural sensitivity. The curriculum blends craft, technology, and real-world engagement, encouraging learners to see design not merely as aesthetics, but as a medium for meaningful change. In the context of global conversations such as fashion as a tool for social cause, SOAD continues to champion design as a transformative force—shaping individuals who contribute thoughtfully to society and the creative economy.

Building upon the success of FTSC 2023 and 2024, which explored "Fashion as a Tool for Social Change: Cultural Preservation and Innovation," and FTSC 2025, which advanced the vision of "Fashion as a Visionary Tool for Societal Impact: Innovating the Present, Preserving the Future," FTSC 2027 moves the dialogue further by introducing the theme:

Fashion as a Regenerative System: Designing Equity, Technology, and Culture for a Resilient Future This theme reflects the growing need to move beyond sustainability toward regeneration. While sustainability focuses on reducing environmental harm, regeneration emphasizes restoring ecosystems, strengthening cultural systems, and building equitable economic structures. FTSC 2027 encourages participants to critically examine how fashion can function as a responsible and accountable system that contributes to long-term social and environmental resilience.

The theme aligns with urgent global priorities, including climate responsibility, ethical production, digital transformation, and social equity. It highlights fashion’s capacity to integrate traditional knowledge with contemporary innovation, ensuring that progress does not come at the cost of cultural integrity or ecological balance.

FTSC 2027 will emphasize the role of fashion and textiles in:

Developing circular and climate-responsive design systems
Preserving and revitalizing indigenous crafts and cultural narratives
Integrating emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain responsibly
Promoting inclusivity, diversity, and adaptive design
Creating fair and transparent economic models

By introducing focused subthemes and research tracks, the conference seeks to strengthen academic inquiry and industry collaboration. FTSC 2027 aims to redefine fashion as a structured, regenerative, and socially responsive discipline capable of shaping a more equitable and resilient future.

Abstracts from students and researchers are invited in the form of oral and poster presentations. All those desirous of participating and/or presenting in the conference are requested to complete the online abstract submission. Authors are requested to send one-page abstract in the prescribed format as given.

All selected Abstracts for FTSC 2027 conference will be published in a Book of Abstracts with an ISBN number.

Selected papers from the FTSC 2027 conference will be published by TEXTILE: Cloth and Culture Journal (SCOPUS, Q2) and Springer as a Proceedings book volume (SCOPUS).

Abstract Submission Link

Abstract Template

Fashion as a Regenerative System: Designing Equity, Technology, and Culture for a Resilient Future

Regenerative Textiles and Climate-Responsive Design

Bio-based and biodegradable materials
Circular production systems
Zero-waste pattern engineering
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and impact measurement
Carbon-neutral and climate-positive models

Track 1

Digital Innovation and Intelligent Fashion Systems

AI-assisted design and forecasting
Blockchain for supply chain transparency
Digital fashion and virtual platforms
Wearable technologies for health and social good
Ethical implications of automation

Track 2

Cultural Narratives and Heritage Futures

Revival and documentation of indigenous crafts
Ethical designer–artisan collaborations
Cultural authenticity and intellectual property
Craft cluster development and policy engagement

Track 3

Inclusivity, Diversity, and Social Justice

Adaptive fashion for persons with disabilities
Gender-fluid and body-inclusive design
Representation in fashion media and communication
Fashion as activism and community engagement

Track 4

Circular Economy and Entrepreneurship

Repair, reuse, resale, and rental ecosystems
Social enterprises and rural innovation models
Fashion incubation and start-up development
Labour rights and regulatory frameworks

Track 5

Participants whose abstracts have been selected are requested to submit their full papers through the link provided below, following the prescribed format.

Paper Template

FTSC-27 Paper Template

Paper Template

Full Paper Submission

FTSC-27 Paper submission link

Paper Submission Link

Publishing Partner

Selected papers from FTSC 2027conference will be published by

1. TEXTILE: Cloth and Culture Journal (SCOPUS, Q2) and
2. Springer as a Proceedings book volume (SCOPUS)

Conference Registration

For any registration and payment related queries, mail to ftsc2027@woxsen.edu.in with the subject line: Registration related.

Registration Details

Each individual who wishes to attend FTSC-27 needs to register by filling out the registration form (see further below) and by paying the registration fee (for exceptions, see point 4. below). The type of registration fee will be decided by the affiliation and not nationality.
For each paper, at least one author must register by paying the registration fee.
A single registration fee can be used by an author for up to two of his/her papers. If an author has more than two papers, he/she needs to pay separate registration fees for the additional papers.
Invited delegates still need to fill-out the registration form but do not need to pay the registration fee (except in some cases, see Q.9 in FAQ below). See FAQ below for more clarification.

The registration fee includes:

An electronic copy of the conference proceedings book from Springer, and the TEXTILE: Cloth and Culture Publication
Conference Kit including conference documents for offline presenters
Access to all events in the conference programme
Conference dinner
Tea/coffee, snacks and lunch on all days of the conference

* The final registration amount in INR adds 18% GST. The rate in the table includes GST.

Early Bird (Before 15 Oct 2026)

Academics,Corporate,
Participants

India: Rs. 7000 (GST included)

International: $76

India (Online): Rs. 6000 (GST included)

International (Online): $65

Students

India: Rs. 5000 (GST included)

International: $54

India (Online): Rs. 4000 (GST included)

International (Online): $43

After 15 Oct 2026

Academics,Corporate,
Participants

India: Rs. 8500 (GST included)

International: $92

India (Online): Rs. 7000 (GST included)

International (Online): $76

Students

India: Rs. 6000 (GST included)

International: $65

India (Online): Rs. 5000 (GST included)

International (Online): $54

Mode of payment

The ‘register now’ button takes you to the google form and the payment mode (also given below).
Registration Link

Panel Discussions

Panel - 1 Panel - 2

Panel 1: Regenerative Fashion Systems: Climate, Craft, and Circularity

Fashion today must move beyond sustainability toward regeneration, where systems not only reduce harm but also restore the environment and support communities. This includes the use of circular design, eco-friendly materials, and traditional craft knowledge.

In the context of climate change and cultural loss, regenerative fashion offers a way to connect environmental responsibility with cultural preservation. This panel will discuss how fashion can develop more responsible and resilient systems.

The panel will have about 6–8 members (including researchers, designers, and craft experts). The discussion will focus on the following questions:

Key Discussion Questions:

1. What is the difference between sustainable and regenerative fashion?
2. How can traditional crafts support climate-responsive design?
3. What are the challenges in adopting circular systems?
4. How can we measure the impact of regenerative practices?
5. What role can policy play in supporting such systems?

Panel 2: Digital Fashion Futures: AI, Ethics, and Inclusive Innovation

Digital technologies such as AI, blockchain, and virtual platforms are changing the fashion industry. These tools can improve design, production, and transparency, but they also raise ethical and social concerns. It is important to ensure that technology supports fairness, inclusivity, and responsible practices. This panel will explore how digital innovation can be used in an ethical and inclusive way in fashion.

The panel will have about 6–8 members (including technology experts, designers, and researchers). The discussion will focus on the following questions:

Key Discussion Questions:

1. How can AI support designers without replacing human work?
2. What ethical issues arise from digital fashion technologies?
3. Can blockchain improve transparency in supply chains?
4. How can technology support inclusive fashion design?
5. What role should policy play in regulating these technologies?

Authors & Chairs

Information For Presenters

Each paper is slotted for presentation in a specific session and has 12 minutes for presentation, 6 minutes for presenting, 5 minutes for Q&A, and 1 minute for changeover. At the end of presentation of all six papers, up to 10 minutes is kept for general discussion and closure.
The papers are to be presented using PowerPoint or PDF format.
The speakers should arrive at the venue for their session at least 15 minutes before the start of the session.
A system (windows) and LCD projector will be available to use for paper presentations.
Speakers should load/check their presentation slides onto the computer.
All speakers should adhere strictly to the time allotted to their presentation.
Organizers will be around to help with the presentation.
We recommend that each presenter limits the number of slides in a presentation to 12, assuming that each slide takes 1 min to present.
In case a presenter fails to present during the allotted slot, the paper will not be included in the proceedings.

Instructions for Keynote Presentations Instructions for Panel Discussion Information for Chairs Instructions for Keynote Sessions

Each keynote presentation is scheduled for 40 mins. Most keynote presentations are scheduled with two/three back-to-back keynote talks.
Each keynote presentation should last for at most 30 mins., leaving 10 min for introduction to speaker, Q&A and changeover.
The talks are to be presented using Microsoft PowerPoint or PDF. For Apple, the presenters need to bring own laptop and adapter for projection.
The speakers should arrive at the venue for the keynote session at least 25 minutes before the start of the session, meet the session chair, and load/check their presentation slides onto the computer.
All speakers should adhere strictly to the time allotted to their presentation.
Computer and LCD projector will be available for use for podium presentations. Incase a speaker is not carrying a laptop, organizers’ computer can be used.

FTSC-27 has one Panel Discussions (1-hour duration each).
There will be 6-8 panelists, with one of them acting as the Chair of the panel.
Each panelist should be present at the venue for the panel session at least 25 min. before the start of the session, introduce themselves to the chair of the panel.
The chair will first introduce the panelists and the topic, and then invite each to make a brief statement (3-5 min.) on his/her experience/views of the opportunities and challenges in the given topic.
After this, the discussion will be opened to the floor with moderated interaction with the panel.
No panellist is expected to make a formal presentation (via visual aids).

Each paper is slotted for presentation in a specific session and has 15 minutes for presentation, 5 minutes for Q&A, and 1 minute for changeover. At the end of presentation of all six papers, up to 10 minutes is kept for general discussion and closure.
There will be one chair for each paper presentation session.
The chair will be invited to the podium session by the organizer of the session.
The chair should remind the authors of the time allotted (15 mins for presentation and 5 mins for discussion and changeover).
At the beginning of each podium presentation, the chair(s) should briefly announce the title of the paper, and name & affiliation of the authors and speaker.
A volunteer will be available to keep time and show the speaker and the chair the time remaining with three placards: 5 min., 2 min., and 0 min. for the chair to use to remind the speakers of the time.
The chair(s) should invite the audience for questions if time permits, and if no questions are forthcoming, ask questions to the speaker(s), before concluding the presentation.
At the end of the session, the chair(s) should announce the audience of the next session and pass on the podium to the session organizer.

There will be a single chair for each keynote session.
The chair will be invited to the keynote session by the organizer of the session.
The chair should remind the speaker of the time allotted (at most 30 min. for presentation, with up to 5 min. for questions or discussions at the end).
The chair should announce the title of the keynote address and introduce the speaker in some detail.
Volunteers will be available to keep time and show the speaker and the chair the time remaining, with three placards: 5 min., 2 min., and 0 min. for the chair to use to remind the speakers of the time.
At the end of the whole session, the last chair should announce the audience of the next session and pass on the podium to the session organizer.

There will be a single chair for each panel discussion.
FTSC-27 has two Panel Discussion sessions (1-hour duration each).
The chair will be invited to the Panel Discussion by the organizer of the session.
The other panelists will also be invited to the Panel Discussion by the organizer of the session.
The chair should first introduce the other panelists and the topic of the panel, and then invite each panelist to make a brief statement (3-5 min.) on the topic.
After this, the chair should open discussion to the floor and moderate the interaction with the panel.
At the end of the session, the chair should announce the audience of the next session and pass on the podium to the session organizer.

Travel and Stay

Any queries related to accommodation, please e-mail to ftsc2027@woxsen.edu.in with the subject line: Accommodation.

Woxsen University address:

Campus. Kamkole, Sadasivpet, Sangareddy District, Hyderabad - 502 345, Telangana, India.

Conveners

CHIEF PATRON

Dr. Raul V. Rodriguez

Vice President,
Woxsen University

CONVENOR

Dr. Adity Saxena

Dean, School of Arts & Design,
Woxsen University

CONVENOR

Dr. Sadhna

Associate Professor, School of Arts & Design, Woxsen University

International Advisory Board Members

Serkan Delice

London College of Fashion, Ual

Dr. Patsy Perry

The Manchester Metropolitan University, UK

Dr Guolong Zhong

Suzhou City University, China

Mikah Man Zhao

Birmingham City University, England

Dr. Anupama Pasricha

St. Catherine University, United States