Hello FSJ readers!

2025 marks the 15-year anniversary of the MA Fashion Studies Program at Parsons School of Design. For 15 years, students and faculty have lent their voices to fashion studies research and ridden the wave of the cultural evolutions that have transpired in this burgeoning field of study. Traditionally, crystal is used to acknowledge 15-year anniversaries, and just as a crystal reflects a kaleidoscope of colors and evokes a myriad of possibilities, we sought to illuminate the works of those who continue to shape this field through a special issue of the Fashion Studies Journal, entitled “Reflections.”

We invited scholars and creatives to reflect on the field of fashion studies from a multifaceted approach, embracing crystalline qualities in their works. As we might have anticipated, authors spotlighted multiple facets of the field resulting in an issue that spans the globe and decades. Authors shared about developments in the fashion industry and how the field has evolved. Alumni reflected on the evolution of their work since attending The New School and presented their ongoing work on the subject. The legacy of a costume designer is highlighted and the evolution of indigenous crafts is reflected upon.

Over the course of 15 years, trends have come and gone, and come again. Fast fashion has given rise to rapid consumerism. Luxury fashion has undergone greater scrutiny, while secondhand and vintage markets have become media darlings. Social media platforms and influencers have undoubtedly impacted the collective zeitgeist surrounding style. While romanticism and commercialization of fashion are default stances for many, perhaps skepticism—and reflection—have never been more important.

Fashion’s manifestations are tethered to times, places, languages, memories and peoples. We became fascinated by what it meant to study fashion in the past, and what does the study of fashion mean for the future? In this way, we dissolve the boundaries of past, present and future and invite both nostalgia and progress into the conversation. We invite you to reflect with us and to view each authors’ piece as a facet of this evolving field.



Ed. Note from FSJ:
FSJ: The Fashion Studies Journal was founded in 2012 by five students in the Fashion Studies MA program at Parsons. The initial purpose of the journal was to give graduate students a place to get their feet wet in academic publishing as well as to make connections between early-career scholars from around the world.

This many years later, the journal continues as an independent publishing outlet for anyone who wants to think and write about fashion in a curious, critical way, but our ethos of inclusivity and providing opportunity for fledgling scholars remains.

Welcoming a team of students from this year’s MAFS cohort to guest edit an issue was a way to honor the journal’s roots in the Parsons community and to pass along what we believe FSJ has always stood for, which is a spirit of radical can-do creativity and an enthusiasm for building community through collaboration, particularly for people entering what can be an intimidating field. 

Kudos to the team for putting together a beautiful, expansive issue that reflects not only what fashion studies looks like in 2025 but how it has grown and changed, as well as how it can continue to push conversations forward across disciplines. You’re always welcome at FSJ!