• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.285-298
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• 2020

This study aimed at examining fashion consumers' awareness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Big data analysis methods, such as text mining, social network analysis, and regression analysis, were applied to user posts about fashion on Korean portal websites and social media during COVID-19. R 3.4.4, UCINET 6, and SPSS 25.0 software were used to analyze the data. The results were as follows. In researching the popular fashion-related topics during COVID-19, the prevention of infection and prophylaxis were significant concerns in the early stage (Jan 1 to Jan 31, 2020), and changed to online channels and online fashion platforms. Then, various topics and fashion keywords appeared with COVID-19-related keywords afterwards. Fashion-related subjects concerned prophylaxis, home life, digital and beauty products, online channels, and fashion consumption. In comparing fashion consumers' awareness during COVID-19 with SARS and MERS, "face masks" was the common keyword for all three illnesses; yet, the prevention of infection was a major consumer concern in fashion-related subjects during COVD-19 only. As COVD-19 cases increased, the search volume for face masks, shoes, and home clothes also increased. Consumer awareness about face masks shifted from blocking yellow dust and micro-dust to the sociocultural significance and short supply. Keywords related to performance turned out to be the major awareness as to shoes, and home clothes were repurposed with an expanded range of use.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.94-104
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to analyze the art world's perspective on popular art and the contact point with pure art and to present the requirements of fashion as a popular art. To analyze the artistic value of fashion, this study analyzed and presented the requirements of art by linking the innate characteristics of fashion premised on mass consumption of popular art. The research method consisted of content analysis focusing on books and papers on art and fashion. A critical perspective on expansion of the artistic field amid the blurred boundaries of art is the basis of a critical comparison between popular art and avant-garde art and a critique of popular art as opposed to value-oriented art. Conversely, as a point of contact with popular art with fine art, art is discussed against the ideological strategy of fine art and the shift in hegemony brought about by erosion of the barrier between art and everyday life. In addition, the non-essentialist perspective contradicts the division theory of popular art. The requirements of fashion as a popular art were analyzed based on the value of self-expression through the aesthetic pursuit of creativity and aesthetic expression, discourse as art, and expansion of modern art from the inessentialist perspective of popular art.

• The Journal of Industrial Distribution & Business
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• v.8 no.7
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• pp.31-38
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• 2017

Purpose - This study aims to elucidate the status of women as consumers and observe their consumption trends in relation to culture. Research design, data, and methodology - Past studies of women as consumers were observed and their consumer behaviors were noted. The stigma of women in society and how it has impacted the market industries were examined. Additionally, the role of culture in consumerism for women were also reviewed and elucidated. Results - The stereotypical roles that are placed in women in society are still prevalent for the marketing industry and is reflected in their businesses. Additionally, the role of culture plays a significant role in the consumer behaviors of women and thus businesses should understand its intricate differences between countries. Fashion industry is one that plays a prominent role in women's consumerism and the impact of culture has a prominent impact on women's consumer habits as well. Conclusions - Additional studies should be conducted to understand the consumerisms of women in the marketing industry. Businesses should also be aware of the vastly different cultural norms of various countries and tailor to their preferences. Only through a thorough examination and understanding of the consumer behavior in women will markets be able to flourish and gain solid ground in global businesses.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.830-844
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• 2020

The fourth Industrial Revolution, known as digital transformation, has made MZ generation to be the focus of the new consumer market, brought about the use of technological platforms a new consumption method. Currently, as various types of content collaboration are emerging that specifically targeting at the MZ generation. Content collaboration are considered an integration of content to create new values through co-existence and co-prosperity. This study identified the characteristics of collaboration of fashion brands from 2018 using literature and online news articles, and identified and classified through case studies of it determined movie content, game and virtual characters. By this research, it shown that collaboration with movie contents have increased the collaborative synergy by using the story in global media content. Collaboration with mobile games was generally used by young casual and sportswear brands. These brands which utilized characters from mobile games popular with to attract more teen consumers and strengthen brand awareness by adding values of high-technology and scarcity to the familiar images. In addition, collaboration with virtual characters has expanded value of the collaborative approach on expanding the range of advanced digital technology, from a promotional strategy during the distribution process through to the use of virtual models. As such, collaboration using the various types of content has developed beyond simple integration of identities among various areas, integrated products or brands that as a new value.

• International Journal of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.139-145
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• 2024

In modern society, many adults seek emotional solace by reconnecting with their childhood memories through "kidult" culture, especially as single-person households increase. This trend spans fashion, collectibles, movies, animations, games, and character merchandise, with Hollywood playing a significant role in its growth during the 1980s and 1990s. Kidult culture allows adults to relieve stress, foster creativity, and strengthen social connections, enhancing their quality of life. As this culture gains mainstream acceptance, companies are producing diverse products featuring beloved characters, appealing to a wide age range. The rise in single-person households has amplified the importance of personal expression and individuality, driving the popularity of kidult culture. Companies are leveraging this trend to create innovative designs that resonate with consumer preferences. This cultural expansion promotes new design forms and aesthetics, reflecting the evolving relationship between design and consumption. Kidult culture's growth underscores its significance in contemporary consumer and design culture, offering valuable insights into modern societal trends.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.48-64
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• 2021

Eco-friendly consumption is a prominent trend in the fashion industry, by which many firms attract the interest of consumers using a green marketing strategy. However, "greenwashing" (caused by distorted, exaggerated, and false information) gives rise to consumer confusion. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of consumer confusion and value on price sensitivity and purchase intention. Data was collected from 228 respondents using a questionnaire that was distributed to consumers living in Seoul and Kyunggi, South Korea. The data was analyzed by factor analysis, regression analysis, and Cronbach's alpha using SPSS 23.0. The results were as follows: First, factor analysis showed the consumer value variable was significantly categorized in altruistic and self-expressive values. All variables (altruism, selfexpression, consumer confusion, price sensitivity, and purchase intention) were shown to have significantly good internal validity. Second, altruistic consumer value was shown to positively affect the purchase intention of eco-friendly fashion products, but self-expressive consumer value had no significant effect. Third, consumer confusion on eco-friendly fashion products had a negative effect on purchase intention. Fourth, altruistic and self-expressive consumer values had no effect on price sensitivity. Fifth, consumer confusion on eco-friendly fashion products positively affect price sensitivity. Sixth, price sensitivity on eco-friendly fashion products had a negative effect on purchase intention. Therefore, fashion firms should provide a certified green mark to consumers to eliminate confusion and deliver the right message without greenwashing. Moreover, fashion firms should develop green marketing strategies that are more focused on altruistic consumers.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.517-546
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• 2024

The aim of this study is to investigate the fashion industry's response to climate change and how these discussions unfolded at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Climate change response projects by B Corp-certified fashion companies are examined, focusing on stakeholder efforts and reviewing online media reports. Text data were collected from web documents, interviews, and op-eds relating to COP28 from December 2018 to April 2024 and analyzed using text mining and semantic network analysis to identify critical keywords and contexts. The analysis revealed that the fashion industry is fulfilling its environmental responsibilities through various strategies, prompting changes in consumer behavior by advocating sustainable consumption, including carbon removal, energy transition, and recycling promotion. Stakeholders in online media and those present at COP28 discussed issues relating to climate change in the fashion industry, focusing on environmental protection, energy, greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable material usage, and social responsibility. Key issues at COP28 included policy and regulation, climate change response, energy transition, carbon emissions management, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Additionally, by examining the main collections exhibited at the fashion show during COP28, the study analyzed how messages about climate change were conveyed. Fashion companies communicated the industry's response through exhibitions and fashion shows, suggesting a move toward balancing environmental protection and economic growth through the development of sustainable materials, the expansion of recycling and reuse practices, and the modern reinterpretation of cultural heritage.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.804-821
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• 2023

This study examines current trends and perceptions of veganism and vegan fashion in Korea, China, and the United States. Using big data tools Textom and Ucinet, we conducted cluster analysis between keywords. Further, frequency analysis using keyword extraction and CONCOR analysis obtained the following results. First, the nations' perceptions of veganism and vegan fashion differ significantly. Korea and the United States generally share a similar understanding of vegan fashion. Second, the industrial structures, such as products and businesses, impacted how Korea perceived veganism. Third, owing to its ongoing sociopolitical tensions, the United States views veganism as an ethical consumption method that ties into activism. In contrast, China views veganism as a healthy diet rather than a lifestyle and associates it with Buddhist vegetarianism. This perception is because of their religious history and culinary culture. Fundamentally, this study is meaningful for using big data to extract keywords related to vegan fashion in Korea, China, and the United States. This study deepens our understanding of vegan fashion by comparing perceptions across nations.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.712-722
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• 2017

Attention to appearance is a common concern for all. Images created by appearance play an important role in judging people in terms of social life in contemporary society. This study investigated general behaviours of appearance management behaviours of both male and female college students, and categorised consumption emotion experienced by appearance management. In this regards, it was examined how consumers' psychological mechanism of consumption emotions influences consumers' satisfaction and their behavioural intentions. The main results are as follows: First, female students invest more time and money into appearance management compare to male students and have a higher level of attention. Secondly, both male and female students experience a variety of consumption emotions in appearance management behaviours. According to gender, female students show a higher level of positive and negative consumption emotions than male students. Thirdly, there are five emotional types (Confidence, Annoyance, Refreshment, Enjoyment, Anxiety) as the result of the consumption emotional typology in terms of appearance management behaviours of male and female university students. Fourthly, there are different emotional groups which influence consumers' satisfaction or behavioural intention according to gender in appearance management behaviour. In general, emotional groups such as 'Confidence, Delight and Anxiety' have a positive influence on consumers' satisfaction and behavioral intention, and 'Annoyance' composed of negative emotions have negative influence. In this respect, this research can contribute to beauty product development and marketing strategy with reflecting consumption emotion, and better understanding of consumption culture of university students which plays a pivotal role in appearance management behavior.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.183-190
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to analyze social, economic and cultural phenomena of the luxury brand in the viewpoint that the consumption system of the modern society stood for the sign consumption and the industrial production of difference as Baudrillard mentioned in the Consumer Society. The result was divided into the two subjects popularization and differentiation of luxury brand. Firstly the meaning of luxury brand was that the personal effects of consumption of king or aristocratic class who did not exist in the modern and were made into the selection and consumption-possible things of exchange value. The popularization of this sign was accelerated through TV drama. Secondly as differentiation strategy of luxury brand, was made by giving meaning to the life style concept of the upper class with advertisement and design, and also the logo of design was used as sign differentiated from people. Also the reason why the producer of the luxury brand gave meaning to such life style was that the awareness of the brand which people have consistently makes them consume more products. The consumption system of the modern society stood for the sign consumption, difference sign mark value which was the desire on a social meaning basis, not the consumption of things as used value. And the consumer could express his personality by selecting and consuming the product of luxury brand model made with this sign. Accordingly the distribution, purchase, sales and acquisition of the things with this difference sign were our verbal activity and linguistic code today, and it was the essential feature of the society, culture and economy of the consumer society.