KNITWEAR CONSUMERS, COMMUNITIES AND MAKERS. REDEFINING FASHION ENGAGEMENT

Mutable trends and a dynamic interplay between the past, present, and future characterize the contemporary fashion industry. Knitwear, a sector deeply rooted in tradition, is experiencing a resurgence and is becoming pivotal in bridging creation and consumption, challenging traditional fashion norms, and empowering individuals to engage with fashion as a form of self-expression, activism, and community building. The article employs a qualitative research approach and focuses on contemporary sources to analyze the sector’s response to changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and global events, as well as to understand how knitwear embodies the significant paradigm shifts of our days. The analysis highlights knitwear’s transformative potential in questioning consumers’ position by fostering creativity, sustainability, and ethical and collaborative practices. Knitwear emerges as a dynamic space where cultural innovation thrives through a blend of heritage craftsmanship, modern design aesthetics, and technological advancements.