Sumeji Hasebe "Learning from the History of Costume for the Future of Fashion & Technology"

Nowadays, fashion in the digital space is becoming a keyword due to the metaverse and NFT. As technology advances, the environment surrounding fashion is changing dramatically. How should we understand this situation?

Looking back in history, the encounter between fashion and technology came after the Industrial Revolution. The clothing production system underwent a major transformation with the advent of new technology, and people's physical consciousness was renewed. So, what should we learn from history, and how should we act towards the future? In this article, we talk to Sumeji Hasebe, who specializes in British costume history and published "ファッションとテクノロジー：英国ヴィクトリア朝ミドルクラスの衣生活の変容" in November 2021, about the changes in clothing and body sensation that took place during the Victorian era, and ask her about her future prospects.

Advances in technology and changes in the fashion industry

First of all, could you tell us about your research interests and previous studies?

I focus on the dress culture of Europe, mainly England. I am interested in how people's gestures, behavioral patterns, body awareness, and self-image that change over time can be connected to the present by focusing on clothing and exploring the life habits of past eras. This is because clothing, which we wear on our bodies, is the most familiar thing to humans, and it affects the formation of our self-image, as it stimulates the skin, dictates posture and movement, and we recognize ourselves in the outfits we wear.