Matthew Williamson - give the man a break
I'm not convinced about this so-called controversy, something's not right. According to The Independent today, Matthew Williamson's collection inspired in part by traditional African and Ethiopian dress has caused 'offence'. The Indie, Oxfam and the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Addis Ababa are investigating the matter and a spokesperson for The Office of Intellectual Property in Addis Ababa says "We are very unhappy with the actions of Mr Williamson."
Williamson is not the first designer to be inspired by African dress - I recall a McQueen show in London where African tribal dress was a theme and also Red Or Dead's last ever catwalk show under the control of Wayne and Gerardine was inspired by Africans in London and referenced tribal dress as well as knock out creations like the dress made from a beaded car seat. I honestly don't think that Matthew had any intention of offending anyone - he's an upfront and hugely talented designer who is a great international success. He's a pretty down to earth Mancunian and I can't see him attempting to 'steal' Ethiopian intellectual property but that's what is being suggested. His version of traditional Ethiopian dress is just that, his interpretation.
http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article3236036.ece
Follow the fuk news story here: http://www.fuk.co.uk/news/matthew_williamson_ethiopian_investigation
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Absolutely Jet - check developments on this in the news story
http://www.fuk.co.uk/news/matthew_williamson_ethiopian_investigation
looks like there are going to be a lot of designers in the 'intellectual property' dock if this sets a precedent! Selene is drawing up a list for us and I am preparing to take legal action next time I see a Irish colours on the catwalk as that is my cultural heritage...if you come across any non-national designers referencing bowler hats or Morris dancers, gis a heads up 
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Editor of fuk.co.uk
don't call it inspired.
this is just a copy! nothing changed its like he bought it there and bring it on..........where is the creation???
and about McQueen show and other designers?......the african dress Textile is not made in africa....so,its difficult for african who use that textile to claim that as their own traditional dress.
the ethiopian dress 100%hand job made in ethiopia and it has been agesss!!
btw, he's selling it 800 something? this is really shameful! he should give it for ethiopian charity.
if anything comes of this, it'll be the death of legitimate inspiration - i just don't get it.
i'm off to copyright the concept of trousers, just in case.