Creation of practical fashionable evening dresses inspired by the traditional Buganda gomesi, a case of Pallisa town council, Eastern Uganda

Abstract

The Gomesi, a traditional garment of Buganda, stands as one of Uganda’s most enduring cultural symbols, embodying values of modesty, femininity, and social identity. However, while it continues to play a central role in ceremonies such as weddings and cultural introductions, young women aged 18–35 increasingly perceive the Gomesi as outdated, rigid, and impractical for modern use. This tension between preserving heritage and embracing contemporary fashion provided the basis for this study, which sought to explore how the Gomesi could inspire the creation of youth-friendly evening wear that balances cultural symbolism with modern elegance. Grounded in aesthetic theory and particularly the Functional-Expressive-Aesthetic (FEA) framework, the study employed a qualitative research design combining focus group discussions, observations, and documentary reviews, complemented by a studio-based creative process. The research population included young women, designers, cultural experts, and fashion practitioners in Pallisa, Eastern Uganda. Data collection and design experimentation focused on identifying which aesthetic, structural, and material features of the Gomesi; such as puffed sleeves, square necklines, and sash logic, could be retained, redefined, or reimagined to meet contemporary fashion aspirations. Findings revealed that participants valued the Gomesi’s symbolic features but emphasized the need for modern reinterpretation using lighter fabrics such as silk and chiffon, more versatile silhouettes, and colour palettes that balance vibrancy with sophistication. The study produced four prototype designs; Cultural Identity, Fusion of Tradition and Modernity, Luxury and Glamour, and Contemporary Silhouettes, which demonstrated how traditional Gomesi elements can be innovatively adapted into evening dresses that are elegant, comfortable, and culturally resonant. These prototypes illustrated how Ugandan fashion can maintain cultural pride while appealing to the lifestyle and tastes of young women. The study concludes that Gomesi-inspired evening wear offers significant cultural and socioeconomic potential, simultaneously preserving heritage and fostering growth within Uganda’s fashion industry. By integrating symbolic elements into youth-friendly designs, the Gomesi can transition from being perceived as a ceremonial relic to a vibrant expression of creativity and identity in modern fashion. The research contributes to scholarship on cultural preservation and design innovation while offering practical recommendations.