UNVEILING POTENTIAL LANDSCAPES IN THE AGE OF DEMATERIALIZATION AND DIGITAL PROGRESSION

Abstract

Fashion, as a cultural system, has reshaped individual identity and social status, often encouraging irrational and unsustainable consumption. The production of clothing and accessories, supported by a capitalistic and plutocratic system, has placed enormous pressure on the environment. This scenario has led individuals to reflect on their future and reassess their lifestyles and consumption patterns. In an attempt to safeguard their interests, fashion conglomerates are beginning to adopt more sustainable business models. In addition, a future is emerging where belonging and desire will be fulfilled through experiences and digital representations, rather than material possessions. This shift, known as “phygital,” blends physical and digital realms and signals a move toward a post-materialist society. This paper investigates the future of fashion, exploring how the industry might transition to a sustainable model through dematerialization, the fusion of physical and digital experiences, and coexistence of both animism and transhumanist principles. It analyzes the ecological impact of fashion, the rise of conscious consumerism, the integration of “phygital” experiences and the role of transhumanism. Through an exploration of these dynamics, it proposes a vision of prosperity in fashion aligned with the future of sustainability in the paradigm of efficiency and digital progression.