Abstract

Background: Since China started its reform and opening-up, the widespread integration of international fashion symbols has led to the gradual erosion of traditional cultural motifs in apparel design, resulting to a notable uniformity in style. It is therefore imperative to explore pathways for revitalizing traditional symbols within modern design frameworks. Purpose: This study investigates the application of Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) technology in transforming traditional costume symbols. The goal is to create modern visual representations while preserving cultural significance, thereby providing reference for cultural heritage in contemporary design. Methods: Rooted in semiotic theory, this research systematically analyzes the cultural connotations of Dong ethnic group’s baby carrier patterns to establish a theoretical framework for design reconstruction. Using platforms including Midjourney, we implement modern reinterpretations of the traditional spider motif through text-to-image generation and image fusion techniques. Results: The findings demonstrate that AIGC- assisted design significantly enhances pattern generation efficiency and enables diverse modern aesthetic expressions of the spider motif, expanding its applications in fashion and cultural creative products. However, delivering its cultural meaning effectively still needs human intervention for refinement. Conclusion: This study concludes that while AIGC technology effectively facilitates the visual modernization and application diversification of traditional symbols, it primarily functions as a technical tool rather than a cultural interpreter. The accurate transmission of cultural heritage remains dependent on human expertise. Future research should focus on developing specialized cultural databases and localized generative models to achieve more precise and meaningful cultural representation through human-AI collaboration.