Rabat – The Moroccan caftan was put under the spotlight at the African fashion show held in Paris on Wednesday evening as part of UNESCO’s Africa Week.

The caftan is a traditional garment embodying the vivid and unique expression of Moroccan identity as well as the most eloquent demonstration of the dexterity and ancestral art of Moroccan craftsmen. 

The caftan dazzled the audience with its beauty, finesse, and glamour. The show’s audience consisted of several artists, designers, journalists, and ambassadors, one of which is Samir Addahre, the Kingdom’s representative in the 2024 show.

After the Malian opening fashion show, the Moroccan caftan in its various shapes and forms received plenty of appreciation and awe through the enthusiastic cheers from the audience.

The models, dressed by Moroccan stylist and designer Nissrine Zaki, embarked the public on a time-travel journey that transcended the boundaries of ages while preserving the authentic character of the Moroccan caftan.

In a statement to MAP, Zaki said that she was honored to represent Morocco at this year’s UNESCO event. “It is a very important show because we’re here to defend our heritage, which is the Moroccan caftan,” she added.

Her collection merges harmoniously modern and ancient caftan crafts. Some of these caftans are almost 100 years old, said the designer. She also mentioned that one of the caftans displayed during the show is completely woven in gold, and has been inherited through the generations. 

Zaki elaborated that the show also represents the different regions of the Kingdom and their authentic jewelry. She added that this kaleidoscopic spectacle is a woven story in itself, chronicling the tale of the Moroccan caftan. 

“We started with the Merinids, the ‘heyday’ of the Moroccan caftan, and worked our way up to the present day, to show how Moroccans have managed to protect their heritage and preserve this authentic, traditional beauty that has evolved while retaining its authenticity,” she explained.

Also speaking to the same source, Abderrahim Zemzami, President of the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra Regional Chamber of Crafts, said that the fashion show was the culmination of a series of events organized by the chamber to raise awareness among craftsmen of the importance of their role in preserving Morocco’s heritage. 

In this context, the show served to reaffirm that the Moroccan caftan, Zellij, Slaoui pottery, and the Zemmouri carpet are part of Morocco’s heritage. These Moroccan products and creations are protected by many UNESCO conventions. 

Moroccans are highly mobilized to preserve these national artifacts, as the country has been subject to cultural appropriation attempts from other nations.

Recently, Morocco has filed an official complaint with UNESCO against Algeria’s cultural appropriation of the traditional Moroccan “Caftan Ntaa El Fassi”. 

The Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication submitted the formal complaint, calling for the removal of a picture from an Algerian controversial file to UNESCO, including Moroccan caftans.

Algeria announced its decision to add the allegedly Algeria-made “gandoura” (a traditional  dress) and melhfa in UNESCO in April,

In response, Morocco urged  the UN body to prevent the exploitation of its 2003 Convention, which aims to protect and promote cultural heritage. 

The 2024 edition of UNESCO’s Africa Week, which kicked off May 22 and will run until tomorrow, features an eclectic program of exhibitions, workshops for young learners, conferences, debates, and tastings of local African dishes. 

The opening ceremony featured Moroccan Daqqa Marrakchia and Reggada music, amplifying the traditional Moroccan atmosphere in the show.