Feminist Border Crossings seminar explored the significance of design in contemporary societies from feminist perspectives

The half-day seminar brought together nearly hundred participants; academics, students, researchers, designers, and professionals to network and discuss the development of fashion and design studies from a feminist perspective. The seminar caught interest of large number of arts and business students who also actively participated in the discussions. 

The event started with a keynote lecture, followed by a panel discussion, and ended with an academic speed dating event. The seminar was organized by Annamari Vänskä, Guy Julier, Saija Katila, Natalia Särmäkari, Kaisu Savola, Ushnah Amjad, and Ida-Sofia Tuomisto.  According to the organizers, the feedback after the seminar has been extremely positive and there have already been requests for a continuation of the seminar.

Keynote speaker Hazel Clark, Professor of Design Studies and Fashion Studies at Parsons School of Design, New York, spoke about “Women’s wisdom”—the development of the slow fashion discourse that respects and is informed by feminine strategies and values. She underlined the significant role of women practitioners in the field and the value of a slow approach to fashion.

Clark also provided a thought-provoking definition of a woman from the book A woman in a School by Céline Semaan: “To be a human who identifies as a woman regardless of nation-states' definitions of femininity and without the limitations of gender norms imposed and established under patriarchal colonial rule.” Clark emphasized the importance of defining what we are saying, when saying.

Watch Hazel Clark’s full keynote lecture here

The panel Futuring Feminist Border Crossings in Fashion and Design: The Evolving Landscape of Terminology included panelists Hazel Clark (Parsons School of Design, New York), Leena-Maija Rossi (Professor of Gender Studies, University of Lapland), Saija Katila (Senior University Lecturer, Dept. of Management Studies, Aalto University School of Business), Louna Hakkarainen (teacher, researcher, and activist), and Ervin Latimer (Professor of Practice in Fashion, Dept. of Design, Aalto University; Founder and Creative Director of Latimmier).

The speakers explored how the rapid advancements in technology are influencing the fashion and design industries. They discussed how, as experts, they are adapting to these changes and, from a feminist perspective, examined the broader social implications. The conversation touched on how evolving terminologies and new technologies are reshaping design processes and industry practices, as well as how gender and identity intersect with these transformations. 

The panel also highlighted themes needing further development, such as feminist technology, post-colonial critique, critical studies on whiteness, the role of gay men in design, and feminist approaches to design and fashion practices.

Design Culture Research Group

The Design Culture Research Group is a new group in Department of Design, led by Guy Julier and Annamari Vänskä. The research group explores the role of design in modern society, focusing on the connections between sociocultural products, practices, and discourses. Their research spans material, visual, spatial, and digital formats, examining design’s impact across various scales and locations.

This interdisciplinary field combines insights from the social sciences and humanities, engaging in writing, education, curating, and creative work. The group aims to spark critical reflection and foster new discussions on design and society.

Read more about the research group and follow their work

20th Anniversary of Hilma

Hilma is a network connecting ten gender studies units in Finland, including students, teachers, researchers, and administrators at both undergraduate and graduate levels. It also serves as a resource for those outside academia who are interested in gender and women’s studies. Aalto University has been a member of Hilma since 2020.

The network offers online courses in gender and women’s studies, shares information about related events like PhD defenses and conferences, lists new publications, and provides links to key online teaching resources in Finland. Hilma also updates on research projects and opportunities for postgraduate studies in the field.

Hilma offers both degree-level courses and teacher training (5 x 5 credits) in feminist university pedagogy. These courses provide an opportunity for in-service training and benchmarking for teachers interested in gender research and diversity.

All Aalto University students and staff have access to Hilma courses.

Find all the courses in English