Skilled Immigrants in the Textile and Fashion Industries: Stories from a Globe-Spanning History

Immigrant communities have contributed significantly to the textile and fashion industries by bringing their skills and expertise. This edited collection explores the role of migration and immigrant involvement in manufacturing, trade, politics, and socio-religious circumstances, highlighting the cultural identity of migrant populations and the collective endeavor of textile- and garment-making.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This edited collection, featuring contributions from esteemed experts, delves into the profound impact of immigrant communities on the textile and fashion industries across Asia, the Islamic World, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, spanning from the early modern to postmodern periods. The manufacturing of textiles and apparel, traditionally reliant on skilled artisans, affordable labor, and labor-saving technology, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Immigrant communities have played a pivotal role in shaping this industry, bringing their unique skill sets to new regions, leading to the establishment of new manufacturing centers and a significant boost in production and technical expertise. Throughout the volume, the interplay between migration, immigrant involvement, and various factors such as trade, politics, and socio-religious circumstances that prompt relocation is explored in depth. By examining the cultural identities of migrant populations, the research sheds light on ongoing dilemmas and practices within diaspora communities. Contributors to this collection employ a multi-faceted approach, analyzing material, mythical, and technical aspects of textile and apparel production, to craft a fresh narrative about textile- and garment-making as a collective endeavor that thrives on diversity of skill and methodology.

Introduction:
The textile and fashion industries have been deeply influenced by the contributions of immigrant communities throughout history. These communities have brought with them a wealth of skills, knowledge, and cultural heritage that have contributed to the growth and development of these industries. In this edited collection, we explore the diverse range of skills brought by immigrant communities to the textile and fashion industries across Asia, the Islamic World, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Contributions of Immigrant Communities:
Immigrant communities have played a significant role in the manufacturing of textiles and apparel. They have supplied a large workforce, often consisting of skilled artisans, who have brought their expertise and traditions to new locations. These artisans have contributed to the development of new manufacturing centers and the improvement of production processes, leading to increased productivity and quality.
In addition to their technical skills, immigrant communities have also brought with them a rich cultural heritage that has influenced the design and aesthetics of textile and apparel products. They have introduced new patterns, colors, and materials, which have enriched the global fashion landscape. Immigrant communities have also played a role in the promotion of cultural exchange and understanding, as they have brought their languages, customs, and traditions to new communities.
The Role of Migration and Immigrant Involvement:
Migration and immigrant involvement in the textile and fashion industries have been complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, migration has provided opportunities for individuals to seek better economic prospects and escape poverty or conflict. On the other hand, it has also led to challenges such as language barriers, discrimination, and social integration.
The research in this collection explores the relationship between migration, immigrant involvement, and the development of the textile and fashion industries. It examines how migration has influenced the supply of labor, the distribution of manufacturing centers, and the cultural exchange between different regions. It also explores how immigrant communities have responded to these challenges and contributed to the growth and development of the industries.
Deconstructing the Question of Provenance:
One of the key themes of this collection is the question of provenance. Provenance refers to the origin and history of a product, and it is particularly important in the textile and fashion industries. In the age of globalization, consumers are increasingly interested in the provenance of their products, particularly those that are made from sustainable materials or produced by ethical practices.
The research in this collection examines how provenance can be deconstructed by examining the cultural identity of migrant populations. It explores how migrant communities have shaped the cultural landscape of new regions, and how their contributions have influenced the development of local industries. It also examines how migrant communities have negotiated the challenges of provenance, such as language barriers, discrimination, and social integration.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this edited collection provides a comprehensive examination of the skills brought by immigrant communities to the textile and fashion industries across Asia, the Islamic World, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. It highlights the significant contributions of immigrant communities to the growth and development of these industries, and it explores the complex relationship between migration, immigrant involvement, and the development of the textile and fashion industries. By examining the cultural identity of migrant populations, the collection sheds light on ongoing dilemmas and practices within diaspora communities. It also highlights the importance of diversity of skill and methodology in thriving textile- and garment-making as a collective endeavor.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350273238