Webinar | Respecting Tradition: Ethical Textile Design and Inspiration

The history of fashion is rife with examples of designers being “inspired” by indigenous cultures and traditional designs, with no acknowledgement of the source or collaboration with original makers. We know that a new paradigm is needed, but how can it work? What examples exist of fashion respectfully and ethically drawing from traditional knowledge? What are the challenges of working with traditional textiles in the global modern market?

In this conversation, Lenora Cabili, Creative Director of Filip + Inna, and Norma Baker-Flying Horse, Founder of Red Berry Woman, will share how their brands have approached designing using traditional motifs and textiles, and how they have balanced contemporary fashions with indigenous culture. This discussion will be moderated by Tara Gujadhur, Co-Director of the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre.

Our esteemed panel:

Filip + Inna is a Filipino clothing brand that has been working with traditional artisans throughout the Philippines to create polished modern pieces using hand-crafted techniques. https://filipinna.com

Red Berry Woman has garnered praise for integrating Native American motifs into couture garments, and showing traditional clothing on native models on the runway. https://redberrywoman.com