Abstract

This study explores the convergence of fashion and modern technology-a phenomenon now popularly termed “fashtech”-through the lens of Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of capital. As the industry integrates innovations ranging from smart textiles and wearables to digital marketplaces and artificial intelligence, the traditional notions of economic, cultural, social, and symbolic capital require redefinition. By revisiting Bourdieu’s framework, this paper investigates how technological progress reshapes the accumulation and distribution of these capitals. It is argued that digital advancements not only enhance creative expression and community connectivity but also redefine brand prestige and consumer identity in an increasingly digital economy. Additionally, the role of intellectual property (IP) is discussed as a critical yet complex variable that both complements and challenges Bourdieu’s original framework. New insights are offered on how these dynamics impact power relations and status within the contemporary fashion landscape. The paper concludes by discussing future directions and proposing that a holistic integration of technological, legal, and sociocultural perspectives is vital for understanding the evolving interplay of capitals in fashion.

Keywords: Fashion Technology (FTech); Digital Fashion; Bourdieu’s Capital; Cultural Capital; Social Capital; Economic Capital; Symbolic Capital; Fashion 1.0-6.0; Phygital Experience; Intellectual Property (IP); Sustainability; Innovation

Abbreviations: FTech: Fashion Technology; IP: Intellectual Property; AI: Artificial Intelligence; AR: Augmented Reality; VR: Virtual Reality; IoT: Internet of Things; NFT: Non-Fungible Token