In addition to its functional role in covering and protecting the body, clothing serves as a medium for expressing the identities, aesthetic values, and social meanings of individuals and societies. While it holds different meanings across cultures, clothing is a significant indicator of identity formation and transmission. As a material representation of culture, it also contains symbolic codes and messages, functioning as a tool of communication. Reflecting personal uniqueness and individuality, clothing plays an important role in preserving cultural heritage. In this context, the increasing use of traditional motifs in Turkish fashion designs is not merely a commercial strategy. The integration of cultural motifs into modern textile products represents a form of identity expression and plays an essential role in promoting Turkish identity at both local and global levels. This article examines the integration of traditional Turkish motifs into modern textile products from a folkloristic perspective and explores how clothing can be used as a means of transmitting folk culture. The data were gathered through the analysis of collections by selected Turkish fashion brands and the evaluation of consumer perceptions. The findings reveal that the use of traditional motifs in modern clothing design is a powerful tool for individuals to express their identities and reinforce their social belonging, beyond being mere aesthetic elements. This indicates that the fashion industry functions as a dynamic agent shaping popular culture and represents an important signifier in the redefinition of Turkish identity within Turkey.
Töret et al. (Thu,) studied this question.