Title: Cooperation and knowledge exchanges in creative careers: network support for fashion designers' careers

Authors: Amina Yagoubi; Diane-Gabrielle Tremblay

Addresses: Téluq, University of Québec, Montréal, Canada ' Téluq, University of Québec, Montréal, Canada

Abstract: The fashion worlds describe the transition from Fordism towards a new type of economic model and supply chain in which creativity and innovation are favoured and where networks and reputation become more important for international branding. The world of fashion design is one that is characterised as being cultural and creative. It is worth considering that the transition from Fordism to a service oriented economy brings forth major paradigmatic changes. Our research on designers and major actors in the fashion design industry shows that branding of fashion designers takes new routes, and we observe a subculture that is resistant to standardisation and proposes niche markets supported by networks and new intermediary actors. The cooperation of networks and intermediary actors appears essential for the development of these creative careers, through knowledge exchanges and collaboration. We highlight the role of these collective actors, networks and organisations in supporting designers in access to knowledge and career development.

Keywords: creative industries; creative careers; ecosystems; clusters; knowledge exchange; knowledge development; fashion design; designer careers; creative cities; networks; Montreal; Canada; cooperation; network support; service oriented economy; niche markets; collaboration; career development; fashion industry; fashion designers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJKBD.2017.082430

International Journal of Knowledge-Based Development, 2017 Vol.8 No.1, pp.24 - 46

Received: 06 Oct 2016
Accepted: 06 Oct 2016
Published online: 24 Feb 2017 *

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