F/fashion Narratives Research Group

Details of the Talking Through F/fashion 2025/26 seminar are now available, along with links to ticketing:

fashionnarratives.mmu.ac.uk/talking-thro...

At its core, this seventh issue of Fashion Highlight Journal seeks to examine both the theoretical foundations and practical implications of fashion discourse. It asks: Does fashion need a new language?

riviste.fupress.net/index.php/fh...

I am delighted to share the Call for Submissions for the next issue of Fashion Highlight Journal, which I am guest editing Dr Natalia Berger (InHolland University of Applied Sciences).

Cheeky — but on point: it’s publication day for Thom Browne!

anthempress.com/books/thom-b...

#thombrowne

@anthempress.bsky.social

Why do you run?

As a runner-researcher, I’m interested in the stories people tell about their running & the role it has in their life.

If you run, I’d be grateful if you’d fill in & share my survey.

mmu.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...

His presentation used Apple TV’s ‘Severance’ as a context to explore Gothic Marxism, capitalism and the enduring legacy and ideological influence of the Protestant Work Ethic.

This week, Group member Dr Paddy Lonergan spoke at the Gothic Crossroads Conference, held at @manmetuni.bsky.social.

His presentation, ‘The ‘Innie’ goes to Heaven, whilst the ‘Outie’ burns: Capitalism, Work & Salvation in Apple TV’s Severance’

He argues that fashion can play a vital role in mobilising emotion and fostering reconciliation during our current period of planetary instability. But we won't reveal all just yet—no spoilers!

Ben’s presentation, 'Re-fashioning the emotions of dress', begins with philosopher Bruno Latour's challenge to "bring together all possible resources to close the gap between the size and scale of the problems we face and the emotional and cognitive states we need to respond responsibly."

Between July 2-4, @drbenjaminwild will participate in 'Polyphony of Emotions: Thinking Affect in Heritage, Memory and Material Culture', hosted by the Amsterdam School for Heritage Memory and Material Culture from July 2-4.

This week, Group members visited Manchester Art Gallery to discuss current exhibitions and future possibilities. Lots of thoughtful discussion, and ideas for the future, as well as a tour of Holly Graham’s brilliant ‘the Warp/The Weft/The Wake’. Thank you, MAG for hosting us!

and Group co-lead Dr Jo Jenkinson.

With a focus on the cultural-creative interchange across four cities – London, Liverpool, Manchester and Milan – the network seeks to uncover missing narratives that elucidate the shifting role and meaning of British menswear.

Images: ©️ @sevenstorehq

The Forum involved panel discussions, presentations and exhibitions from academics, industry practitioners and menswear enthusiasts. It continued the work of the AHRC-funded Locating Menswear network created by Prof. Andrew Groves, Director of the Westminster Menswear Archive,

Locating Menswear Forum — Group member Dr Morolake Dairo has authored a review of the Locating Menswear Forum held at Manchester Metropolitan University and The Space and Sevenstore, Liverpool, between 4-5 July 2024 in the current issue of Craft Research Journal (16:1).

…the exhibition explores the role of style in the formation of Black identities, particularly in the US and Europe.

Reflecting on the theme of dandyism, Group PhD student Julian Randall wrote a reflection for GQ about the sartorial flair and influence of his grandfather, who always kept it classic.

The first Monday in May — Yesterday, the Metropolitan Museum of Art celebrated the launch of its latest Costume Institute exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.

Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity…

Gaby and MFI colleague Sian Vance shared insights about research-informed teaching through their jointly taught module Fashion Cultures in Context

Thank you to the IFFTI convenors, to lcf for hosting and to the participants for their rich and enthusiastic contributions.

This year’s IFFTI conference provided a fantastic opportunity for Group members to present their share their work with a global gathering of fashion scholars.

Jo, Morolake, Sharon and Benjamin convened a workshop that explored missing narratives & new opportunities in fashion-based research.

From family clothes sharing, inherited jewellery, to reminders of past homes and markers of changing tastes, the session asked participants to imagine their garments could talk, and consider what they might say about their journeys to and identities within their wardrobes.

Clothes talk — This morning, pupils from across Manchester joined a National Saturday club workshop led by Manchester Fashion Institute students and Group leads, Ben and Jo, to consider the stories of their clothes.

Group lead @drbenjaminwild.bsky.social recently spoke with @wired.com about the changing aesthetics of Mark Zuckerberg and his multi-billionaire, media mogul ilk.

www.wired.com/story/power-...

Through new approaches & by aligning F/fashion research with multiple disciplines, we aim to address global challenges in F/fashion & education while promoting a more inclusive understanding of F/fashion’s role in society.

The Group highlights the cultural & narrative impact of F/fashion, focusing on stories from marginalized voices within & beyond the ‘west.’

The Group recognizes two key meanings: Fashion, the global industry that developed in the 19thC & now contributes 2% to GDP, & fashion, the everyday use of dress to express identity across different cultures & times.

F/fashion Narratives is a research group within @manmetuni.bsky.social. As an interdisciplinary team of academics we work critically & creatively with fashion’s storytelling to drive social change.

The Group is led by @drbenjaminwild.bsky.social & co-led by Dr Jo Jenkinson.