The Role of Geopolitics in Fashion: Designing in Turbulent Times

Design decisions aren't just about aesthetics. They’re woven into a web of conflicts, trade policies, shipping routes, and international relations. Ignoring that can be costly.

In today’s interconnected world, fashion can no longer afford to be naive.
What happens thousands of miles away —a war, a trade deal, an energy crisis— can directly impact your collections: from the cost of cotton to the arrival of your buttons.

What does geopolitics have to do with your garments?

Everything!  Geopolitics studies how political, economic, and territorial decisions between countries shape the global order. And this has direct —often invisible— consequences on the fashion industry.

Here are just a few examples:

• Armed conflicts like the war in Ukraine or in Palestine disrupt supply chains, delay deliveries, and increase material scarcity.
• Economic sanctions can block access to certain markets or technologies (as seen in countries like Iran or Russia).
• Diplomatic instability impacts investor confidence and import/export costs.
• Environmental regulations like carbon tariffs or restrictions on synthetic fibers impact material sourcing and pricing.
• Trade agreements determine whether you can manufacture abroad with duty benefits—or not.

How does this affect your brand?

• Production delays and missed deadlines
• Unexpected cost increases
• Unsold or off-season stock
• Brand narratives that feel tone-deaf or outdated

The key isn’t paranoia — it’s perspective.

Fashion is geopolitics too. And those who design while ignoring the world design blindly.

So, what can an emerging or independent brand do?

1. Map suppliers with regional alternatives and backup plans.
2. Follow political trends in your key markets—even if they seem “unrelated.”
3. Track new regulations around sustainability, trade, or labor.
4. Build brand storytelling that’s relevant to current events.
5. Work with consultants who combine cultural, symbolic, and strategic foresight.

At Digital Sartoria, we believe design is also a way of reading the world and reading it wisely helps you reduce risk, elevate your brand voice, and make stronger creative decisions.

Want your collections to thrive in complex times? Reach out. We create symbolic and strategic maps for brands that don’t want to guess.