An analysis of modern fashion designs as influenced by Asian ethnic dress

This study analysed modern fashion designs which show influences of Asian ethnic dresses focusing on China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. A total of 190 designs presented during 1982-97 were collected from seven magazines. There were 68 designs with Chinese influences, 49 for Japan, 35 for Korea, 21 for Indonesia and 5 for Vietnam. Twelve designs showed the influences of more than one country. Each design was content analysed in terms of eleven aspects (shape, garment type, silhouette, colour, feature of fabric, surface pattern, trimming, how to wear, accessories, hair-style and make-up). The degree of influence was measured on a 3-point scale ranging from 1 (symbolic resemblance) to 2 (modification) and 3 (replication). The results confirmed that China and Japan have been the most well-known sources of Oriental culture in fashion world. Influence of ethnic dresses were most evident in the aspects related to materials (surface pattern, feature of fabric and colour). The Indonesian sarong and the way to wrap skirts around the waist were also frequently adopted in modern fashion.