The Moroccan caftan is a distinguished dress, and it is an integral component in the customs of Moroccan women at weddings and special occasions. It can be said that it is the main piece of Moroccan women in every wedding, party, or special occasion. It has not been disturbed by the finest brands of modern international fashion for evening gowns, and it is still the best witness to the elegance of Moroccan women.
The Moroccan caftan is a one-piece garment that is usually worn loosely without a belt. The role of the Moroccan caftan is not limited to being a tool of elegance only, but it plays an important economic role in Morocco, as it contributes 16 percent of the Kingdom's traditional exports and its export revenues add millions of dollars to the public treasury of the Kingdom of Morocco.
This was explained by Jamila El Mossalli, Minister of State for Handicrafts and Social Economy, telling Reuters that Moroccan traditional dress in general accounts for 16 percent of total handicraft exports. So this figure, 16 percent of total exports of handicrafts, I think is very important. She added, "Of course, one of the most important efforts made is his presence in exhibitions, whether national exhibitions or international exhibitions, where we are keen to have special galleries for this type of dress, with this Moroccan caftan."
The kaftan has a global reputation that prompted former American First Lady Michelle Obama to wear it during a visit to Morocco in 2016, and American actress Mary Streep appeared wearing it in the same year.
More than 75,000 workers work in the Moroccan caftan industry, most of them in ancient Moroccan cities, such as Fez, Rabat and Marrakesh. Abdullah Adnani, General Manager of Dar Al-Sanea Foundation, added, “This sector is very important, as it employs more than 75,000 traditional makers and also contributes more than 32 billion dirhams as a turnover for the sector. As well as for exports abroad, it amounts to 32 million dirhams (3.5 million dollars).
The Moroccan caftan is 100 percent handmade, and it takes between one and two months to make one caftan. With regard to the price of the caftan, Muhammad Al-Karwani, Director of Royal Textiles, explained that its price varies from one piece to another, and he said, “Traditional sewing in general depends on the piece. If the caftan may take from one to two months in terms of decoration, in terms of fixing the jewelry.
Reuters (Rabat)