Adaptation of Traditional Symbols into Bridal Wear

Abstract

Throughout history, fashion and textiles have reflected the influence of culture and conventions by the inclusion of popular motif designs. The African cultural heritage is endowed with a lot of cultural values and beliefs that are deeply intertwined with African art. In the light of this, the paper seeks to introduce Akan symbolism into contemporary bridal wears to be adapted for church weddings. It aims at reviving the lost socio-cultural educative impact in contemporary Ghanaian fashion design concepts. The introduction of this "indigenous ingenuity" to contemporary fashion design concepts is based purely on aesthetic appeal as well as Ghanaian traditional philosophy. The paper explores the awareness and use of Adinkra symbols, to promote their use for wedding gowns in Ghana and beyond. The study employed observational descriptive research approach to determine the kinds of wedding gowns on the market. The end result of the symbolic wedding gown presented reflects a contemporary design concept, fused into a traditional design concept. The paper recommends that the exchange of ideas between the two design concepts be encouraged and considered as a legitimate means of including postmodern or contemporary wedding design concepts in the Ghanaian fashion industry.

Keywords: fashion, wedding gown, bridal wear, culture, concept, symbols, philosophy and acculturation.