A Semiotic Analysis of Orientalism Reflected in Modern Clothing

현대복식에 반영된 오리엔탈리즘의 기호학적 분석

The starting point of this study was that the Orientalism reflected in the modern clothing is realized the different view by Western and Eastern. Based on this regard, this study semiotically analyse that clothing is creating the cultural values and signification and that the western designers are reproducing an ideology as orientalism being the western-oriented thought when expressing the Asian image in the modern clothing. The theoretical sides are based on the semiotic analyses of F. Saussure, C. Peirce, and R. Barthes. By the result observed through this study, the Orientalism reflected in the modern clothing designed by Western designers are discriminative image, mystic image, past-oriented image, natural image, and complex-eclectic image. The discriminative image is reproduced as a savage and uncivilized image. In addition, it regarded as a decorative and superficial image is expressed as if it is an uncharacterized and underdeveloped image in the modern clothing. The mystic image is reproduced as a romantic image to stimulate Westerners'curiosity. That is, Asian image is regarded as a dream and magical image rather than a scientific and rational image. The past-oriented image is expressed through restricting Asian positive image in Asian historical glory. The natural image differs from Western image based on science in the modern clothing. The modern clothing regards the natural image as a primitive and instinctive image. The complex-eclectic image is the pastish pattern through selecting and distributing heterogeneous materials in the modern clothing. This study critically analyzes the western-oriented thought of orientalism in the modern clothing. The results of the study imply that it is critical that we provide a new contact point for the East and the West in the context of our Asian values and traditions.