Photographer's Note
Hello Trekers,
One of the oldest traditional dresses in the world, the Moroccan caftan, or takchita, dates back to the Merinide dynasty. According to some researchers, it was first made popular in Andalusia after the arrival of Ziryab, the 9th century composer who wore the garment when he moved to the region.
Moroccans are proud of their caftan as a deeply-rooted symbol of popular culture. No matter the type or quality of the dress, the takchita holds a unique allure for women from all classes.
Traditional tailors continue to devote their energies to creating innovative takchitas which Moroccan women continue to prefer over dresses from modern designers.
In spite of Moroccan women's embrace of modern fashion, the takchita remains popular at wedding parties and has replaced the evening dresses that musicians and actresses tend to wear. The few women who wear modern evening gowns to wedding parties often receive strange looks rather than admiration.
The Moroccan caftan's traditional sewing is characterized by links to famous Moroccan regions. Designs from Fez, for instance, are characterized by deeply-rooted originality that mixes with the silver-plated or gilded wire the city's women refuse to abandon. Rabat's style of sewing, which is also called Makhzania sewing, is unique because it forms a loose caftan evoking the style that ladies of yesteryear flaunted in the palace.
Many musical and theatrical artists now appear in the takchita at the biggest parties and occasions, including international events. The Moroccan caftan has thus come to the attention of Arab and Western markets which do not conceal their admiration. Statistics indicate that 75% of the annual production of Moroccan traditional clothing companies is exported to Arab and European markets. Many of these companies have opened offices in foreign capitals to supervise the distribution and marketing process.
Many famous Moroccan designers have become specialized in the caftan and they display their work at events throughout Morocco and around the world. The "Moroccan Caftan" fashion show, which gathers celebrities, designers and of course the media has become a regular event, and each year the monthly magazine Femmes du Maroc dedicates a whole issue to the show's takchitas.
Traditional dress in general has a major fan in the Moroccan royal family, with the caftan now the official apparel of princesses at nearly all events and parties both inside and outside Morocco. The royal ladies are keen on traditional designs that combine art, innovation and original culture while maintaining the Moroccan woman's grace and elegance.
Have a nice night ;)
Critiques | Translate
cfreire
(11739) 2009-06-08 13:47
Salut Amine,
Good shot about the oldest dresses from Marrocos. Beautiful colors and contrasts. The details were captured with good definition. Well done. Regards, Consuelo
anducina
(8407) 2009-06-08 22:57
Hi Amine,
Interesting capture, I like those beautiful traditional dresses, with their vivid colors and attractive cuts...
TFS,
Andreea
saxo042
(31794) 2009-06-09 5:51
Hi Amine,
The note here is very interesting, as well as the picture! I like the very fine colours here and the very special designs of these dresses!
Kind regards
Gunnar
maloutim
(8606) 2009-06-14 2:49
Bonjour Amine!
J'aime beaucoup les caftans marocains, et je trouve , comme tu l'expliques dans ta note, qu'elles font de superbes robes de soirée. Les femmes marocaines ont bien raison de tenir à cette tradition.
Il sera toujours trop tôt, lorsque toutes les femmes du monde seront habillées de la même façon!
Les costumes traditionnels sont un de mes dadas. J'ajoute donc ta photo à mon thème de groupe:" Traditional costumes in Africa". J'espère que tu n'y vois pas d'inconvénient.
Belle représentation des couleurs vives et des détails très décoratifs!
Merci du partage!
Cordialement.
Marie Louise.
Photo Information
-
Copyright: Mohammed Amine AARAB (amirey10)
(603) - Genre: People
- Medium: Color
- Date Taken: 2009-05-23
- Categories: Daily Life
- Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ7
- Exposure: f/2.8, 1/15 seconds
- More Photo Info: view
- Photo Version: Original Version
- Theme(s): Traditional Costumes of Africa II [view contributor(s)]
- Date Submitted: 2009-06-08 11:46
Discussions
- To maloutim: SALUT. (1)
by amirey10, last updated 2009-06-14 03:20









