Programme

9.30 to 10.00am Registration and refreshments

10.00am Opening session

Welcome to the conference
Dr Andrew MacLaren, Enterprise of Culture, Heriot-Watt University

The European fashion business since 1945
Professor Regina Lee Blaszczyk, Enterprise of Culture, University of Leeds

Introductory address
Professor Fiona Waldron, Head of School of Textiles, Heriot-Watt University

10.45am Session one

Making cultural identity in Red-White-Blue
Dr Wessie Ling, University of Northumbria

Fashion’s uncertain future: sustainability
Dr Alana James, School of Textiles, Heriot-Watt University

The New Fashion Society and its value to students, universities and the industry
Laurence Meeuwis (President) and Wida Arian (Treasurer/Secretary), New Fashion Society, Erasmus University Rotterdam

12.00 Lunch

1.00pm Session two

Making use of the unknown
Eshiva Wright, President of the New Fashion Society: Edinburgh

Fashion Blogging: ‘You never know. You never know.’
Dr Agnès Rocomara, London College of Fashion

Extreme measures: the V&A's staging of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
Sonnet Stanfill, V&A

2.30pm Coffee break

3.00pm Session three

Embracing uncertainty: How fashion designers can thrive and innovate in today’s changing marketplace
Elissa Bloom, The Philadelphia Fashion Incubator

The meaning of the suit
Professor Christopher Breward, Edinburgh College of Art

4.00pm Session four

Round table discussion

Panel discussants:
Elissa Bloom, The Philadelphia Fashion Incubator
Professor Chris Breward, Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh
Professor Robert MacIntosh, Heriot Watt University
Fatima Mahmood, Creative Director, founder and designer of Ala Mairi
Ashleigh Slater, Masterweaver – Creative Designer, founder of warpweftweave studio

Chaired by: Dr Andrew MacLaren

The panel will discuss issues around themes such as:
Is the fashion industry getting it right?
Where are the certainties for the fashion industry?
What has been the most positive impact fashion has had on European culture since 1945?

4.50pm Closing remarks
Dr Andrew MacLaren, Enterprise of Culture (Heriot-Watt University)

5.00pm to 6.00pm Drinks reception

(Please note: the programme is subject to change)