Examination of the interpretation of tradition in fashion design within the framework of national identity

The tradition, known to be an undeniably effective factor in shaping the way of living of communities, has been understood and positioned in various ways throughout history. Following its change in the historical process, tradition is being included in designs and design processes in various ways by fashion designers as well as in art and literature. It can be seen that the interpretation of tradition has an impact on the preservation of traditional culture, the visibility of the designer and the nations' fashion identities. The issue of interpretation of the tradition, which has been negotiated today, is an issue that maintains its importance and validity in terms of national fashion identities of countries. The aim of this study is to make an analysis of the ways in which tradition is interpreted in fashion design and how the interpretation of tradition affects the national fashion identities. The study is based on the way of interpretation of tradition by Japanese designers, who found a place within the international fashion dialogue starting from 1980's, and on the effects of interpretation of tradition of Japanese designers on the Japanese fashion identity. For this purpose, the ways of interpretation of the tradition in the work of designers will be examined. Then, a framework will be given on how the works of designers interpreting the tradition has reflected on their national fashion identities.