Design, Semiotics and Sustainability

a syntactic mapping of the visual configuration of Brazilian footwear in the context of Slow Fashion

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36704/transverso.v1i17.10244

Keywords:

Slow fashion, Sustainability, Design Semiotics, Footwear, Artifact Morphology

Abstract

Slow Fashion has emerged as a sustainable alternative to fast fashion, promoting quality, durability, and socio-environmental responsibility. This paper aims to analyze the syntactic elements of Slow Fashion footwear design, seeking to understand how their visual configuration contributes to the communication of the movement’s core values. The study adopts an exploratory approach, based on a case study with a visual analysis of 33 boots produced by two Brazilian brands, Vegalli and Urban Flowers. Aspects such as lines, shapes, materials, textures, and finishes were examined, grounded in morphology and design semiotics frameworks. The results indicate that the analyzed artifacts reveal patterns balancing aesthetics and functionality, reinforcing narratives of authenticity and sustainability. It is concluded that the syntactic dimension plays a central role in shaping the identity of Slow Fashion, mediating the relationship between design, conscious consumption, and environmental responsibility.

Author Biographies

Ítalo José de Medeiros Dantas, Universidade Feevale

Professor of the Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design at the Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais – Unidade Acadêmica de Passos, where he serves as the leader of the Laboratory of Studies in Fashion, Sustainability and Meanings (LEMOSS), a research group certified by CNPq. PhD Candidate in Processes and Cultural Expressions at Feevale University; Master in Design from the Federal University of Campina Grande (2021); Specialist in Communication, Semiotics, and Visual Languages from Universidade Braz Cubas (2021); and Bachelor in Fashion Design from the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Norte (2019). He was a substitute professor in the area of management processes and quality control in the apparel industry at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Norte – Caicó Campus between 2022 and 2023. He also works as a freelance designer in the areas of fashion collection planning and development, as well as print design. His master’s dissertation was selected for exhibition at the 35th Design Award of the Museu da Casa Brasileira, in the category of unpublished written works. He has presented papers, abstracts, and essays, in remote format, at conferences in countries such as Argentina, Canada, Spain, France, India, England, Italy, Portugal, Russia, and Turkey. A multidisciplinary researcher with academic and professional interests in different fields, with an emphasis on Design, Fashion, and Applied Statistics, working mainly on the following topics: visual communication; morphology of artifacts; empirical studies; market research with a focus on consumption; statistical inference; applied artificial intelligence; and exploratory data analysis.

Nicolas Duprat, Universidade Feevale

Undergraduate Degree in Social Sciences from Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos – RS (UNISINOS). Master’s student in Processes and Cultural Expressions at Feevale University, holding a PROSUC – CAPES scholarship. Member of the Brazilian Association of Sport Management (ABRAGESP), serving on the Scientific Committee of the Thematic Working Group on Diversity, Equity, and Social Inclusion in Sport Management (2024–2026). Volunteer Researcher at the Bate Bola Acadêmico Research Group at the University of Fortaleza. Research interests include Cultural Diversity, Cultural Expressions, Accessibility, and Processes of Social Inclusion, with a focus on the sports and educational fields.

Marcelo Curth, Universidade Feevale

PhD in Business Administration (UNISINOS), Master’s in Business Administration (PUC-RS), and Bachelor’s in Sports Science (ULBRA), with several postgraduate degrees in Marketing, Education, and Mentoring Teacher Education (University of Tampere – Finland). Professor in the Graduate Programs in Processes and Cultural Expressions and Business Administration at Feevale University, focusing on strategic marketing, consumer behavior, and relationship marketing. He coordinates a postgraduate program in Sports Management and has previously coordinated the RS Saúde Digital program. He is a thematic editor and coordinator in scientific associations such as ABRAGESP and ANEGEPE. His research interests include marketing, consumption, and entrepreneurship, with professional experience in consulting for micro and small businesses.

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Published

2025-11-28

How to Cite

Dantas, Ítalo J. de M., Duprat, N., & Curth, M. (2025). Design, Semiotics and Sustainability: a syntactic mapping of the visual configuration of Brazilian footwear in the context of Slow Fashion. TRANSVERSO, 1(17). https://doi.org/10.36704/transverso.v1i17.10244

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 17 (2025): Transverso: diálogos entre design, cultura e sociedade

Section

Artigos Científicos ou Tecnológicos

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