The possibility of employing the aesthetic foundations of Babylonian attire in modern fashion design.

Abstract

This study examines the structural aesthetics of women’s attire in the Babylonian civilization, considering it as a cognitive vessel that encapsulates the intellectual and cultural transformations of Mesopotamia. The research problem arises from the observation of a gap in the aesthetic investment of Babylonian heritage in contemporary fashion, despite the widespread interest in Babylonian dress. The study aims to analyze the formal elements (lines, colors, and cuneiform symbols) of Babylonian attire and explore how they can be reinterpreted in modern women’s fashion designs that align with contemporary trends while preserving national identity. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach to trace aesthetic foundations, alongside presenting an applied vision that employs modern textile printing techniques to transform the “cylinder seal” and historical symbols into innovative decorative units. The temporal scope of the study covers the period (2020–2026), with a focus on the local market in Baghdad to ensure practical applicability. The study concludes that drawing inspiration from Babylonian heritage represents an effective tool for enhancing visual identity and countering cultural stereotyping in contemporary fashion design.