Matthew Williamson sparks outrage in Ethiopia's online community over dresses

Matthew Williamson has sparked outrage in the Ethiopia's online community over two outfits based on traditional Ethiopian dresses in his Spring-Summer 2008 latest collection.

According to the independent UK the government of the African country is investigating how it can protect its national costume.

The dresses are reportedly replicas of those in most Ethiopian women's wardrobes.

A spokeswoman for Matthew Williamson's company said in a statement: "The design team derived inspiration from various African countries and tribal groups.

"In presenting his spring/ summer 2008 collection Matthew Williamson strived to gain recognition and admiration for not only the traditional dress of the Ethiopian people, but also other African communities whose beautiful traditional techniques are also evident in the show."

She added that the designer had no desire to offend "such communities".

However, Abdurazak Omer of the Intellectual Property Office in Addis Ababa said: "We are very unhappy with the actions of Mr Williamson.

"These are the dresses of our mothers and grandmothers. They symbolize our identity, faith and national pride. Nobody has the right to claim these designs as their own."