Rabat – President of European Central Bank Christine Lagarde on Sunday dazzled in a Moroccan Caftan during the closing gala of the Rallye Aicha des Gazelles competition in Essaouira.
“Christine Lagarde pays tribute to the cultural heritage of Morocco and the know-how of its craftsmen by wearing a traditional and magnificent Caftan,” tweeted Morocco’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO on April 10.
The 31st edition of Rallye Aicha des Gazelles brought together women from all around the world who took part in a race through the Moroccan desert.
Participants in the adventurous race travel through the Moroccan desert with no GPS, just a set course to be followed.
Lagarde joins a long list of political leaders, public figures, and celebrities who have chosen to dress in the Moroccan traditional outfit – Caftan – during their visits to Morocco, Moroccan embassies, or events abroad.
The list includes Hillary Clinton, Jada Pinkett Smith, Rihanna, and Ahlam, to name just a few.
Read Also: The Fashion and International Popularity of Moroccan Caftans
As a symbol of the country’s fashion and elegance, Moroccans also wear Caftans to international events, such as beauty contests and ceremonies officially appointing Moroccan ambassadors to their posts
In December Miss Morocco, Kawtar Benhalima, wore the traditional dress by Casablanca-based stylist Samira Haddouchi at the 70th Miss Universe competition in Israel.
A host at the event described the outfit as a “look that represents elegance, majesty, and more than twelve centuries of history.”
Different varieties of the Caftan exist around the Middle East and North Africa, but the Moroccan caftan has gained particular popularity around the world.
The garment often covers the length of the body and has long, wide sleeves. It can be worn at home or on special occasions such as engagement parties and weddings.
Caftans worn for celebration are often made of high-quality and expensive materials such as silk.
Read Also: Fatim Filali Idrissi Caftan Collection Celebrated at Dubai Expo 2020
