Innovation by design

In this paper, links between creativity, design, and innovation are explored through the literature specific to the textile and apparel industries. We discuss the ways that the apparel industry embodies entrepreneurial innovation through creativity and design that makes it an exemplar of the idea of “Main Street” entrepreneurship, albeit one that relies in part on “Silicon Valley” innovation via its relationship with the textile industry. We conclude with a discussion of the need for more research on the topic and offer recommendations for future empirical investigations. Further research specific to the apparel industry would augment the thin foundation of existing literature and shed light on how innovation occurs through creativity and design within a key global industry and “Main Street” endeavor.