World Heritage Patterns Collection

The human mind has evolved to quickly recognize patterns. Patterns help us make sense of the world around us. Initially a critical survival skill, patterns surround us in clothing, architecture, and nature. Instantly recognizable are Rio’s Copacabana Boardwalk, Istanbul’s dome at Sultan Selim II’s mausoleum, Portugal’s Azulejos, Lichtenberg figures, pine cone fractals, star constellations, or the signature designs of any luxury fashion brands. Patterns also hold significance in cultural heritage. Scottish tartans, Ashanti Adinkra robes, Gujarat Bandhani, Navajo Weaving, and Japanese Kasuri are just a few of the thousands of patterns found throughout the world’s cultures. Sadly, some of these patterns are disappearing, along with their production techniques, like Japan’s indigo dye. Imagine a world heritage pattern collection, introduced by luxury fashion brands, introducing the world to these stunning cultural designs. A portion of the proceeds can go back to benefitting those communities. These could go into sustainable initiatives, like supporting native textile manufacturing, language and history preservation and documentation, nutrition programs, and trade-skill training just to name a few. With the world’s wealth of patterns, fashion houses could have a product catalog that stretches into decades and centuries. To avoid exploitation of these native communities, an initial effort to help them copyright, trademark, and license these patterns should proceed these commercial efforts. Beyond the revenue opportunities for fashion brands, the PR gains from social good would be significant.