Unveiling Potential Landscapes in the Age of Dematerialization and Digital Progression

Abstract

Fashion, as a cultural system, has redefined the concept of individual affirmation and social status, promoting irrational and unsustainable consumption. The production of clothing and accessories, supported by a capitalistic and plutocratic system, has placed enormous pressure on the environment, contributing to issues such as pollution and resource depletion. This situation has prompted individuals, rather than corporations, to reflect on the future of their existence and reconsider their lifestyle and consumption patterns within an increasingly ecologically and ethical focus.

In an attempt to safeguard their interests, fashion conglomerates are seeking to reinvent their strategies by shifting towards more sustainable business models. In addition, there is talk of a future in which the sense of belonging and the satisfaction of desires will no longer rely on the possession of material goods, but rather on experiences and digital representations. This phenomenon often described as "phygital"—a fusion of physical and digital medium and experiences—implies a radical transformation towards a post-materialist society. 

This paper investigates the future of fashion in the Anthropocene, exploring how the industry might transition to a sustainable model through dematerialization, the fusion of physical and digital experiences, and coexistance of both animism and transhumanist principles. We analyze 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, we propose a vision of prosperity in fashion aligned with the future of sustainability in the paradigm of efficiency and digital progression.