Fashion work: conditions, challenges and future perspectives in the Vale do Rio dos Sinos

Abstract

This study examines professional trajectories within the fashion industry in the Vale do Rio dos Sinos region, with a focus on the apparel and footwear sectors. Adopting a qualitative approach, the research combines a literature review with in-depth interviews conducted with ten professionals from diverse segments, including footwear, handbag, and apparel development, graphic design, and trend research. The findings highlight key challenges faced by these professionals, such as long working hours, precarious employment relations, the inherent volatility of the fashion industry, and their consequent impacts on mental health. Furthermore, the study underscores persistent gaps between higher education and labor market. By mapping these experiences, the research offers a comprehensive overview of the working realities in the regional fashion sector, contributing to a deeper understanding of the socio-professional dynamics that shape the Vale do Rio dos Sinos.