A recent article that I`ve read highlighted the issue of Western fashion heavyweights turning traditional ethnic wear into trends and misrepresenting the meaning behind the garments. Many of the cultures in which designers have drawn inspiration from time and time again are quite conservative in comparison to Western societies. However, as an example I shall propose, a garment such as the hijab (which purpose is arguably for obscuring the woman in society), which holds so much cultural significance is adorned with vibrant colours and vivid patterns by Designer X and re-marketed as such to Western consumers, suddenly the meaning behind the garment is distorted. 
The garment may now be purchased and worn by high profile celebrities, in any manner that they may fancy. Some of these public figures may even be the centre of continuous controversies such as Ke$ha, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga. In fact, many muslim groups may very well find that such celebrities are wearing and promoting what was once the average hijab in profane and offensive ways.
When such iconic cultural garments are portrayed and marketed in such a manner to the consumerist Western society, much of the traditional meanings behind the garments are destroyed. Some may even consider the pulling of inspiration and incorporating Eastern cultural influences into high fashion clothing as another means of the West exploiting the rest. As indicated in the article, when religious symbols, colors, prints, and clothing silhouettes reflecting class and position are casually integrated into skimpy tank tops, underwear (etc.), and then featured on scantily clad print models, the issue of cultural exploitation is showcased tenfold.
Perhaps using global influences as a marketing scheme to appeal to more groups of consumers is clever in itself, however ironically, it is the same marketing scheme that is alienating specific ethnic/ cultural groups that may feel that their religions and traditions are being exploited through the fashion industry`s reworking of traditional garments. I think perhaps cross-culture copyright should be introduced so that any future “ethnic inspired” designs in fashion do not freely recreate symbolic accessories and clothing as they see fit (though this would inevitably turn into such messy business).