World Style File

'Style File' is a unique educational project that proposes to unite design students from around the world in an international collaborative design project, using the Internet and other electronic means of communication. It is an example of how the Internet can be used to provide students with a valuable learning experience on a global scale. The concept for “Style File” was initiated early in 2006 by Ted Polhemus – well-known “Style Commentator”, anthropologist, author, journalist and photographer. Polhemus is a widely-used consultant on youth marketing and style trends and is the author of several books on the anthropology of personal style and image. Many of these books are standard texts for design students and students of cultural studies. The author of this paper has been asked by Polhemus to monitor the progress of the students involved in the project at Liverpool John Moores University, UK, a founding participant in the project, and to provide illustrations for the book and web site that arise from the project. These illustrations will also form part of the International touring exhibition that is planned to coincide with the publication of the book in each participating country.