Dress Elements Of The Wayuu Ethnic Group And Its Application In Modern Female Fashion Design

This research has been developed using a macro-micro approach. Staring from the general frame which is the Ethnic fashion, this being a topic has been part of the fashion history for decades, the fashion industry has found inspiration on different ethnic groups and communities, reinventing the fashion world as we know it today. Ethnic fashion is then an endless source of inspiration. The author makes a research about ethnic fashion, concept history and its application in modern times, including local and international designers.This main topic is taken to a local level by author who focuses on studying a specific ethnic group that inhabits in Colombia called the Wayuu, the research includes an overview of the Wayuu minority, location, territory, demographics, language, religion, and lifestyle, followed by a research on the main elements of the traditional Wayuu fashion culture, covering its main characteristics, traditional woven goods, Wayuu traditional fashion culture origin and history, as well as an analysis of the symbolic elements used by this culture in their traditional garments and accessories. Current status of the application of the element of the traditional Wayuu fashion culture in modern feminine fashion in Colombia is included as well.The author makes the proposal of applying Ethnic fashion using representative elements of the traditional Wayuu fashion culture, by making a reinterpretation of this traditional elements and applying them to modern female fashion design. A proposal where the author present its own culture has been merging traditional and modern elements.