It has been written by Shruti Jain, a fourth-year law student of Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies

ABSTRACT

Creative Convergence: Exploring the Intersection of Fashion and Art" delves into the captivating relationship between these two dynamic realms. This abstract examines how fashion and art influence each other, sparking innovation, pushing boundaries, and shaping cultural landscapes. The discussion touches on technological advancements, sustainability practices, and inclusivity, highlighting the transformative power of collaboration in the creative process. This exploration reveals the rich tapestry of influences and inspirations that define the ever-evolving dialogue between fashion and art.

Keywords: Geographical, diasporic, handicraft, manufacturing

INDIAN PERSPECTIVE AND LAWS

INDIA, a country synonymous with diversity, is endowed with an extensive range of food, language, ethnicity, and its most momentous fashion. One can witness the country's visible and enthralling fashion diversity in a vast geographical span. Not only does India’s geography signify a particular style but also the people native to the area carry their exotic fashion sense with them across fields, mountains, rivers, etc. From the cold Himalayan states requiring the warmth of phiran, Taranga, or khan suits, to the lungi or pavada davani in the warm tropical climate of south India to central India showcasing the diasporic style and vogue from within and outside the country. Many fashion trends, styles, and statements are indigenous and authentic to India. The term fashion prima facie makes us think of clothes but in its genuine sense, it is much more than just clothes. At first glance, it is the clothing items but what is behind the curtain is an awe-inspiring number of handicrafts, hand-woven, textile printed pieces, different fabrics, a wide flamboyant and rich to neutral range of colors, paired accessories, etc. which encompasses the fashion industry.

India has endorsed and witnessed the emergence of various fashion evolution throughout its existence. But the principle issue has been the preservation of its aboriginal fashion diversity. Product counterfeiting has been the most eminent threat to the fashion industry. The country’s inability to bring out its invention to the world in a more formal and globally accepted manner has ripped it off from the fame and applause that it deserves for its authentic heterogenous vogue. This challenge is not only to its ethnic but also to its modern inventions. intellectual property rights are one such legal method available to these creators which protects the originality of their ideas from the menace of counterfeiting in the industry.

Exploring the dynamic fusion of creativity between fashion and art is a captivating journey into the realms of artistic expression and innovation. This collaboration transcends boundaries, intertwining two distinct yet interconnected forms of creativity to create something truly unique and inspiring. In this article, we will delve deep into the symbiotic relationship between fashion and art, exploring how they influence and inspire each other, shaping trends, challenging conventions, and pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic expression. The intersection of fashion and art has long been a source of inspiration and creativity for designers, artists, and enthusiasts alike. Artists have often drawn inspiration from fashion, incorporating elements of style, color, and texture into their work. Conversely, fashion designers have looked to art for inspiration, drawing from the rich tapestry of artistic movements, styles, and techniques to create innovative and boundary-pushing designs. One of the most notable aspects of the collaboration between fashion and art is the way in which it challenges conventional notions of beauty, aesthetics, and self-expression. Through this fusion, artists and designers have the freedom to experiment, innovate, and redefine traditional boundaries, creating pieces that are not just garments or artworks but powerful statements that reflect the zeitgeist of the times. The creative dialogue between fashion and art is a testament to the power of collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas. It blurs the lines between disciplines, opening up new possibilities for artistic expression and creative exploration. As we continue to witness the evolution of this collaboration, one thing remains clear: the fusion of fashion and art is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the boundless potential of human imagination.

The fusion of creativity between fashion and art is a dynamic and ever-evolving collaboration that continues to inspire and influence both industries. This creative synergy not only pushes boundaries but also shapes cultural trends and societal perceptions of beauty and self-expression. Artists and designers find endless inspiration in each other's work, leading to innovative and boundary-breaking creations that captivate audiences worldwide. The relationship between fashion and art goes beyond mere aesthetics; it embodies a profound connection between two forms of expression that share a common goal: to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and challenge norms. This collaboration has led to iconic partnerships between renowned artists and fashion houses, resulting in breathtaking collections that blur the lines between wearable art and high fashion. Moreover, the fusion of fashion and art serves as a platform for social commentary and cultural reflection. Through their collaborative efforts, artists and designers address pressing issues, celebrate diversity, and advocate for change, using their creative voices to spark conversations and inspire action. This intersection of creativity not only enriches both industries but also resonates with audiences on a deeper, more meaningful level. In essence, the collaboration between fashion and art is a testament to the transformative power of creativity and collaboration. It transcends mere aesthetics, delving into the realms of culture, identity, and societal values. As this partnership continues to evolve and inspire, it reaffirms the timeless truth that creativity knows no bounds and that art, in all its forms, has the power to shape our world in profound and impactful ways.

One such provision to protect from this unethical exploitation of ideas and their expression is in the form of conferring the GI or the geographical indication tag. The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act[1]mentions that- "geographical indication", in relation to goods, means an indication which identifies such goods as agricultural goods, natural goods, or manufactured goods as originating or manufactured in the territory of a country, or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of such goods is essentially attributable to its geographical origin and in case where such goods are manufactured goods one of the activities of either the production or of processing or preparation of the goods concerned takes place in such territory, region or locality, as the case may be[2]. The tag prevents any unauthorized usage of the products and the remedy to this breach of law under section 21[3] grants the right to sue the offender against his validly registered gi-tagged product. This sui generis system while preserving authenticity also works in favour of its economic scale

The fusion of fashion and art is a vast and multifaceted topic that offers numerous subtopics for exploration. One intriguing aspect to delve into is the influence of technology on the intersection of fashion and art. Technology has revolutionized both industries, giving rise to digital art forms, wearable tech, and innovative design techniques that blur the lines between the virtual and physical worlds. Another fascinating subtopic to consider is the impact of sustainability on the collaboration between fashion and art. As environmental consciousness grows, artists and designers are increasingly incorporating sustainable practices into their work, creating pieces that not only inspire aesthetically but also advocate for ethical and eco-friendly production methods. Exploring how these principles shape the creative output in both fields can offer valuable insights into the future of fashion and art. Additionally, the role of inclusivity and diversity in the partnership between fashion and art is a compelling subtopic to explore. Artists and designers are embracing diverse representations of beauty and identity, challenging traditional standards and fostering a more inclusive creative landscape. By examining how this evolution influences artistic expression and design aesthetics, one can gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of representation and inclusivity in creative endeavours.

The Indian fashion industry is endowed with such products having specific attributes and made using the conventional techniques that mark certain geographical origins. Thus various statutes and laws are made for the safeguard of producers and products. The broad term of ‘handicraft’ comprises various fabrics, stitching designs, hand-woven designs, etc. within the category of goods[4]. the Salem fabric of Tamil Nadu,chanderi sarees of Madhya Pradesh, Kantha stitch of West Bengal, kota doria fabrics authentic to Rajasthan, and much more such extravagant and alluring fashion products conferred with the GI tag. Many disputes have risen relating to the conferring of the gi tag one such is relating to the famous Kolhapuri chappals. The kolhapuris, an ethnic leather chappal of Kolhapur, Sangli, and Satara districts of Maharashtra, and the Belgaum, Dharwad, Bagalkot, and Bijapur districts of Karnataka were granted the GI tag in the year 2019.

There was a joint bid for the GI tag of Kolhapuri Chappals[5] by the Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation Limited of Maharashtra (LIDCOM) and the Dr. Babu Jagjeevan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation of Karnataka (LIDKAR) in 2009, which fructified in 2018 into GI tag being granted in favor of the artisans of the two states. The reason for granting the GI for Kolhapuri Chappals to two states and 8 districts within them was because of the large demand for Kolhapuris and the reduction of the supply of leather in Maharashtra.

However mere written laws and statutes don’t provide complete legal protection to the industry. The fashion industry is a social industry with should be instilled with professional and peer ethics and honesty. The rise in the awareness of the fashion law or apparel law with ultimately results in a significant reduction in the flaws and imperfections in the industry.

REFERENCES:

[1] The Geographical indication of goods (registration and protection act),1999

[2] Ibid s.2(e)

[3] Ibid s.21kohla

[4] Ibid s.2(f)

[5] Kolhapuris: The famous leather chappal get Geographical Indication tag,Economic times(june 19th,2024)copu