Threads and Tech: From Runway Sass to Smart Class — Pierre Bourdieu’s Concept of Capital Revisited

Abstract

This paper delves into the convergence of fashion and technology, commonly referred to as “fashtech,” through the analytical framework of Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of capital. As the fashion industry embraces technological advancements – from smart textiles and wearable devices to digital platforms and artificial intelligence – the traditional forms of capital outlined by Bourdieu (economic, cultural, social, and symbolic) undergo significant transformation and redefinition. By revisiting Bourdieu’s theories, the study examines how fashtech not only reshapes the distribution and accumulation of these capitals but also creates new avenues for their enhancement and expression. For instance, technological innovations enhance cultural capital by enabling innovative design and creative expression, while digital networking platforms expand social capital through enhanced connectivity and influencer ecosystems. Additionally, the integration of technology elevates symbolic capital by redefining brand prestige and consumer identity in a digitally-driven marketplace. Furthermore, the study considers the role of intellectual property (IP), highlighting how IP introduces complexities that are not entirely encompassed by Bourdieu’s traditional framework of capital. This analysis highlights the intricate ways in which fashtech influences and is influenced by the various forms of capital, offering a comprehensive understanding of power dynamics and status within the modern fashion landscape. Ultimately, the paper contributes to both fashion studies and sociological theory by demonstrating the enduring relevance of Bourdieu’s concepts in interpreting the ongoing evolution of the fashion industry in the digital age.