The Caftan The Moroccan outfit

Today, it has become impossible to evoke the oriental fashion without thinking of the famous Moroccan caftan.

The caftan ... a unique dress!

As you all know, the caftan is a dress worn on very special occasions such as engagements, weddings and baptisms.

This was not always the case. At the time, women wore relatively simple caftans on a daily basis. We can see that the caftan has evolved into an exceptional outfit worn only on special occasions.

This garment consists mainly of a fabric that will become the basis of the caftan and on which will be sewn several elements. It can be for example a braid of silk threads called sfifa, accompanied by buttons (aakad).

Some caftans are decorated with embroidery or pearls. You will understand the importance of Moroccan craftsmanship in this very meticulous design of the caftan.

To this caftan now adorned, is added a belt. Here again the possibilities are multiple, between those that follow the model of the sfifa, embroidery, beads, or those in metal, there is something for everyone.
In view of all this, I let you imagine the multitude of models that it is possible to achieve! Between the diversity of colors, fabrics, combinations, (sfifa, stones, embroidery) the wide choice of belts, the caftan will not cease to surprise us.

The caftan ... Moroccan origins 100% ?

The caftan that I have just presented to you is the one as we know it today in Morocco. This dress has long been well anchored in Moroccan culture... some would find it hard to believe that its origins are in fact remote, and that it actually represents for Moroccans a historical heritage.

Well yes, for those who do not know, the caftan originated in ancient Persia. We realize its antiquity. At that time, it was a long loose dress worn by both men and women.

Its presence in Morocco is partly linked to the geographical expansion of Islam.

One thing is sure the Moroccans knew how to adopt and preserve this treasure by adding their specificity thanks to the craft industry.

The caftan...an international reputation

As great representatives of Morocco, it is very frequent to see the Ladies of the Royal Family honoring the caftan as well on the territory, as abroad, thus contributing to the influence of the Moroccan elegance beyond the borders.

In this photo, Queen Lalla Salma can be seen in the company of Michelle Obama and her daughters during an Iftar in Marrakech offered by His Majesty the King in honor of the First Lady of the United States.

Lalla Soukaina and Lalla Maryem at the wedding of Albert and Charlene in Monaco.

It is difficult not to succumb to the charm of this dress of incomparable elegance ... Like Alicia Keys, many celebrities who could not resist.

The caftan... a star of oriental fashion

The caftan is not only worn by guests on various occasions. Today it is put on the front of the stage during several events exclusively dedicated to it, both in Morocco and abroad.

One of the most famous in Morocco remains the annual meeting CAFTAN, organized in Marrakech by the magazine Femmes du Maroc.

It is the opportunity for several designers like  Zineb Lyoubi IdrissiNissrine Ezzaki Bakkali, inspired and passionate about the caftan, to express their creativity and thus surprise us around a given theme.
We also find Fashion Day in Casablanca or Mode made in Morocco organized by the magazine Premium or Passion for Caftan in Belgium.

The Moroccan caftan has been able to stand the test of time and resist external influences. This dress, cultural element and Moroccan identity, is, like the Phoenix that rises from its ashes, immortal!