Why Researchers Choose Fashion Theory: The Journal of Dress, Body & Culture for High-Impact Publications
Fashion Theory: The Journal of Dress, Body & Culture stands as a cornerstone in the field of Architecture and Design, particularly for scholars exploring the intersections of fashion, dress, body, and cultural phenomena. Published by Taylor & Francis since 1997, this quarterly journal has established itself as an essential platform for interdisciplinary research that bridges humanities, social sciences, and design practices. Researchers are drawn to its rigorous peer-review process and commitment to advancing theoretical and empirical inquiries into how clothing and bodily practices shape societal norms, identities, and histories.
The journal's scope encompasses a wide array of topics, from historical analyses of dress to contemporary critiques of body politics and cultural representations in fashion. Its international editorial board ensures diverse perspectives, making it a preferred venue for global academics seeking to publish innovative work that challenges conventional boundaries in Architecture and Design. With a focus on theoretical frameworks, Fashion Theory encourages submissions that integrate visual culture, anthropology, and material studies, fostering dialogues that resonate across disciplines.
Key to its appeal is the journal's indexing in major databases like Scopus and Web of Science (Arts & Humanities Citation Index), which enhances visibility and citation potential for authors. While specific impact metrics in the Journal Citation Reports are not applicable due to its humanities focus, its CiteScore of 1.2 (Scopus, 2022) reflects steady influence in niche scholarly communities. Taylor & Francis's hybrid open access model allows authors to opt for immediate visibility, balancing traditional subscription access with broader dissemination.
For researchers in Architecture and Design, publishing in Fashion Theory: The Journal of Dress, Body & Culture signifies engagement with cutting-edge debates on embodiment and aesthetics. The journal's archival depth, spanning over two decades, provides a rich resource for literature reviews and contextualizes new contributions within evolving discourses. Editorial policies emphasize originality and methodological rigor, ensuring that accepted articles contribute meaningfully to the field's intellectual landscape.
As the journal continues to evolve, it addresses emerging issues like sustainable fashion and digital embodiments, inviting submissions that push theoretical boundaries. This dynamic approach not only elevates the journal's prestige but also supports career advancement for early-stage and established scholars alike. To explore opportunities in academic publishing and related career paths, consider browsing architecture and design academic jobs.
Overview & History
Fashion Theory: The Journal of Dress, Body & Culture was founded in 1997 by Taylor & Francis to fill a gap in scholarly publishing dedicated to the theoretical dimensions of fashion and dress. Emerging from the growing interest in cultural studies during the late 20th century, it quickly became a vital outlet for examining how clothing functions beyond mere aesthetics, delving into its roles in identity formation, power dynamics, and social change.
Over the years, the journal has published seminal works that have influenced fields like Architecture and Design by highlighting the built environment's interplay with bodily adornment. Its evolution mirrors broader academic shifts toward interdisciplinarity, incorporating insights from feminism, postcolonial theory, and material culture studies. Today, it remains a quarterly publication with a global readership, committed to fostering critical dialogues on fashion's cultural significance.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The journal's scope is deliberately broad yet focused, welcoming manuscripts that theorize dress, body, and culture through innovative lenses. It prioritizes articles that advance understanding of fashion as a cultural practice intertwined with architecture, design, and societal structures.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Architecture and Design | Explores spatial and material aspects of dress in relation to built environments and design principles. |
| Cultural Studies | Analyzes fashion's role in cultural narratives, identity, and representation. |
| Fashion Studies | Investigates historical and contemporary trends in clothing and body modification. |
| Anthropology | Examines cross-cultural practices of dress and embodiment. |
| Visual Culture | Studies imagery and aesthetics in fashion media and design. |
Submissions from these areas are encouraged if they offer theoretical depth and interdisciplinary relevance.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CiteScore | 1.2 | Scopus (2022) |
| SJR | 0.32 | Scopus (2022) |
| h-index | 28 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 20-25% | Publisher estimates |
| ISSN Print | 1362-704X | Official |
| ISSN Electronic | 1751-7380 | Official |
These metrics underscore the journal's solid standing in humanities publishing, with steady growth in citations.
Indexing and Abstracting
Fashion Theory is indexed in prestigious databases, ensuring wide discoverability. Key inclusions are Scopus, Web of Science (Arts & Humanities Citation Index), MLA International Bibliography, and EBSCOhost. These affiliations facilitate access for researchers worldwide, enhancing the journal's reach in Architecture and Design scholarship. For more on academic resources, visit academic calendar for design events.
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, Fashion Theory offers both subscription-based and open access options through Taylor & Francis. Traditional publication is free for authors, with articles accessible via institutional subscriptions. For open access, an Article Processing Charge (APC) of £2,610 (approximately $3,300 USD) applies, waivable under certain conditions like Research4Life eligibility. This model supports equitable access while maintaining high editorial standards.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Authors submit manuscripts online via the Taylor & Francis ScholarOne platform at the journal's official site. Guidelines require original, unpublished work of 6,000-8,000 words, formatted in Chicago style with abstracts and keywords. Peer review typically takes 3-6 months, emphasizing double-anonymized processes. Detailed instructions are available on the official journal homepage. For submission tips, check research positions in academia.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial team, led by Editor-in-Chief Sarah E. Braddock from the UK, includes experts like Joanne Entwistle (USA) in cultural theory and Reina Lewis (UK) in visual culture. This diverse board, spanning Europe, North America, and Asia, brings authority to the review process and ensures balanced, international perspectives in Architecture and Design topics.
Why Publish in Fashion Theory: The Journal of Dress, Body & Culture?
Publishing here offers researchers prestige through association with a respected Taylor & Francis title, boosting CVs for tenure and grants. Its interdisciplinary appeal attracts citations from varied fields, while the journal's focus on theoretical innovation positions authors as thought leaders. Enhanced visibility via indexing and optional open access maximizes impact. To leverage such opportunities, explore rate my professor for architecture faculty.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Publisher | Focus | CiteScore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Theory | Taylor & Francis | Dress, body, culture theory | 1.2 |
| Fashion Practice | Bloomsbury | Design and practice | 0.8 |
| International Journal of Fashion Design | Springer | Technology and design | 1.0 |
| Textile | Taylor & Francis | Material culture | 0.9 |
| Journal of Dress History | Costume Society | Historical dress | Not ranked |
Fashion Theory distinguishes itself with its strong theoretical emphasis compared to more practice-oriented peers.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, align your work with the journal's theoretical bent, ensuring clear interdisciplinary ties. Craft a compelling abstract highlighting novelty, and adhere strictly to style guidelines. Engage with recent issues for contextualization. Peer feedback before submission can strengthen manuscripts. For career advice, see fashion studies academic calendar or cultural studies jobs.