Super smart society 5.0 and the effects of digital communication technologies on fashion design

Technological developments have been the main factor in the evolutions in the welfare, life, and working styles of societies throughout human history. From Hunter Society 1.0 to Agricultural Society 2.0, Industrial Society 3.0 and later "Information Society 4.0", enabled digital technologies to develop such as artificial intelligence, robots, big data, internet of things, simulation technologies, etc. "Super Smart Society 5.0", introduced by the Japanese in 2017, aims to use technology not only in industries but also in all areas of life for the benefit of humanity and a sustainable future. Today, "Social Media" has emerged as the mainstream communication channel for individuals and institutions. Interactive communication opportunities provide a democratic communication system for each individual's unlimited and free content sharing. Generations Z and Alpha, which have grown by interacting with social media and digital technologies, come to the fore effectively in their living and working areas. The evolution in "Digital Communication Technologies" has changed the "Fashion Industry" routine working systems. The field of "Fashion Design", in which innovation, creativity, and communication form the basic dynamics, has been one of the fields most affected by this revolution. Technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, robots, 3D simulation systems, VR, AR, internet of things, 3D printers, high tech wearable devices, and social media communication channels have become the biggest assistants of fashion designers. Although it is foreseen that the designers will work more closely with technology, it is seen that the artistic and human creative spirit cannot be filled by technological tools yet and in the near future. The increase in technological design and production possibilities has brought cheaper products and increased consumption. "Sustainability" appears as a necessity in the new fashion design ecosystem in order to prevent the damage which high consumption causes to the environment, natural resources, and to secure the employees working in production facilities under adverse conditions. Keywords: Super Smart Society 5.0, Digital Communication Technologies, Social Media, Fashion Design, Sustainability