THE IMPACT OF CULTURAL APPROPRIATION OF NIGERIAN INDIGENOUS TEXTILES IN CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL FASHION DESIGNS: STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

Abstract

In the global textile and fashion scene, cultural appropriation has become belligerent. In this study, it refers to when native designs and patterns are used frequently in textile and fashion designs without permission, proper acknowledgment, or understanding of the cultural significance behind these elements. This study explores the phenomenon of cultural appropriation through the lens of Nigerian indigenous motifs as they appear in global contemporary textile and fashion designs. This is qualitative research. It employed the use of observations, desk methodology and interviews to collect some data. It examines how traditional Nigerian patterns, symbols, and textiles are integrated into international fashion, often detached from their cultural origins and meanings. The study highlights the tension between cultural appreciation and appropriation, considering issues of intellectual property, identity, and power dynamics. It found out the impact on Nigerian artisans and communities, and revealed the broader implications for cultural appreciation, preservation and respect in the global fashion industry. In conclusion, the study calls for a more ethical and informed approach to incorporating indigenous motifs in fashion, promoting collaboration and recognition of source cultures.