Traditional Cultural Expressions and Fashion

Indigenous Peoples have a wealth of traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) that can take different forms including, for example, traditional textiles, attire, ornaments, symbols, and designs. These TCEs are deeply connected to their history, beliefs, spirituality, cultural heritage, traditions, and importantly to their identity.

TCEs held by Indigenous Peoples often inspire others, including fashion companies, who always seek creative input and fresh ideas. However, using elements of Indigenous Peoples’ TCEs without consent and in inappropriate ways, even unintentionally, can cause offense and harm to Indigenous Peoples.

WIPO aims to create opportunities for a dialogue between Indigenous Peoples and fashion companies to shape fair and equitable interaction between them.

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High-Level Dialogue on Indigenous Peoples, Traditional Cultural Expressions and Fashion

On November 2, 2023, WIPO convened the first High-Level Dialogue on Indigenous Peoples, Traditional Cultural Expressions and Fashion at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva.

The event brought together representatives of Indigenous Peoples and fashion companies. It provided an opportunity for the exchange of ideas and the sharing of best practices, with the aim of exploring forward-looking ways to facilitate collaborations between them.

The recordings of the morning session and the evening session of the High-Level Dialogue are available online.

Learn more about the High-Level Dialogue on Indigenous Peoples, Traditional Cultural Expressions and Fashion.

Using Traditional Cultural Expressions in Fashion

To help fashion companies to engage with an Indigenous artist or community regarding the use of elements of their TCEs in a design or a fashion project, WIPO introduced Draft Steps When Considering the Use of Elements of Indigenous Peoples’ Traditional Cultural Expressions in Fashion.

The document was developed in consultation with Indigenous Peoples, fashion companies, and experts in intellectual property, fashion and cultural heritage. It is based on documented best practices on respectful and ethical engagement with Indigenous Peoples in other fields and industries.

The document, intended to encourage conversations, does not offer a ready-made solution to all projects that involve the use of Indigenous Peoples’ TCEs; the users will need to adapt the advice to their particular projects.

Would you like to comment on the consultations draft? Please send a message to the Traditional Knowledge Division of WIPO at grtkf@wipo.int by September 6, 2024.

Consultation Draft: Steps When Considering the Use of Elements of Indigenous Peoples’ Traditional Cultural Expressions in Fashion

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