From Passion to Profit: A Bibliometric and Thematic Review of Fashion Entrepreneurship and Its Market Impact

Abstract

Fashion entrepreneurship has emerged as a dynamic field at the intersection of creativity, innovation, and business strategy, reflecting how passion-driven ventures can shape consumer trends, cultural narratives, and market structures. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric and thematic review to analyze the intellectual evolution, research trends, and market implications of fashion entrepreneurship from 2000 to 2024. Using data extracted from Scopus and Web of Science databases, a bibliometric analysis was performed to identify influential authors, co-citation patterns, publication hotspots, and emerging research clusters. Thematic analysis further explored key dimensions such as entrepreneurial identity, digital branding, sustainable business models, and the role of social media in market entry and expansion. Findings reveal a clear trajectory from early emphasis on design-led entrepreneurship to more recent focus on platform-based business models, influencer economies, and sustainability-driven innovation. The review also uncovers a growing academic interest in the socio-cultural impact of fashion entrepreneurs, particularly their role in redefining norms of consumption, authenticity, and brand storytelling. By integrating bibliometric mapping with qualitative thematic interpretation, this study provides a structured understanding of how fashion entrepreneurship has transitioned from niche creative practice to a significant market force. The paper concludes by outlining future research opportunities in AI-driven design, ethical production, and global scalability of fashion startups.