Morocco's takchita blends tradition and modernity
2007-11-02
The Moroccan caftan, or takchita, is a symbol of both Moroccan tradition and innovation. The garment's growing popularity both at home and abroad stems from its elegance and simplicity.
Text and photos by Imane Belhaj for Magharebia in Casablanca – 02/11/07
 Moroccan women continue to prefer the caftan over dresses from modern designers |
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.
Mohamed, a tailor at one of Casablanca's biggest traditional clothing stores, is known for his mastery of the takchita. "In our different designs, we always observe Moroccan traditions and innovations in colours and the types of embroidery that carry the features of all Moroccan regions," he said. "In addition, the simplicity of design remains a dominant feature at all times."
Homemaker Fatima Bichri said, "I can't do away with my tailor who excels in the designs of my caftans. I got to know him when he was charged with the task of preparing all my wedding dresses. Although he follows the modern design lines, I've found that he still keeps the distinct Moroccan feature of the Moroccan caftan. In addition, he is not as expensive as some of the modern female tailors who have become used to making the Moroccan caftan look uncustomary by using so many pieces of cloth that require a lot of money."
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.
Saida Fateh is of the opinion that the Rabat caftan is suitable for all occasions and times; it is never out of fashion. "For this reason, I'm keen on the same style of design in every new dress in order to use it for several years to come, especially as the cost of tailoring has become expensive," she said.
Loubna Chraibi, a tailor and caftan designer at one of the department stores in Casablanca's Maararif district, said, "The Moroccan caftan or takchita is indispensable. It is the symbol of our originality. None of us would find herself in any other form of dress at wedding parties or family occasions."
"Fashion changes in the type of material, for example from silk to Lorganza or 'mesh,' as well as in the type of sewing. One summer, we saw an interest in embroidered dresses. Other times, we saw interest in tiny-pearl-covered dresses. Oftentimes, the silk dress fashion is dominant but the sewing remains as-is, except for some improvements that we, as designers, add out of our own innovation so that we may add a special and distinctive touch."
Fellow designer Ghita Ouerdani says, "I have studied fashion design. I worked a lot during my studies in designing evening and wedding gowns. However, this is not what earns me my living today, as all my female customers demand the caftan."
 Actress Susan Sarandon attended the 6th Marrakech International Film Festival in traditional attire |
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.
Some enthusiasts, however, fear the caftan may lose its originality due to its world fame and its penetration into fashion houses that may turn it into a European or Western product, divorced from Moroccan civilisation.
"The Moroccan caftan is known and has nothing to do with what we see today in fashion shows, especially overseas," said Mohamed Naoui. "We see very different designs from the Moroccan traditional costume that embodies our heritage and history, yet we call them caftans. This is a major mistake, as decorum and propriety must be taken into consideration with this traditional dress."
Samira Haddouchi, a young Moroccan designer, said, "I insist on giving the dress its Arab touch and the warmth of colours that reflect my own feelings toward others as well. I don't like cold colours, and I seek to realize the harmony between the warm colours that give women their grace and elegance."
Haddouchi said Moroccan brides are very keen on celebrating in traditional dress rather than more modern styles; many are more interested in reflecting their Moroccan personality in a caftan or takchita with innovative touches that make them feel more beautiful and elegant.
The special nature and touch of the Moroccan caftan becomes clearer when a foreign artist or celebrity wears it. Samira Haddouchi's famous caftan, designed for Lebanese singer Haifa Wehbe, has appeared on the cover of numerous women's magazines and newspapers, and actress Susan Sarandon proudly displayed the garment at the 6th Marrakech International Film Festival.
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.
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aya elzaki Posted 2007-11-03
The Caftan is great and special.
sara Posted 2007-11-11
My name is Sara. I am 15 years old. I am from Nador, Morocco. I would love to see some pictures of Moroccan Caftan. It is a tradition in Morocco. -Good luck everyone
nahil Posted 2007-11-19
Beautiful caftans... do you know of a place in the states where I can purchase one? I would be greatful for any information... thank you.
Habiba Posted 2007-11-27
hi nahil, you can purchase a takchita at e-souk.com, and ebay.com, also, you can go to ebay.fr and type in takchita as a search. good luck!
كريم القصروي Posted 2007-12-06
Salam alaikoum, I'm Karim El Karoui, a son of the town El Kasr El Kebir. Thank you for your interest in Morocco's magazine, 'Nissae' (women).
souhaila Posted 2007-12-10
It's impossible to explain the features of the Moroccan Caftan if it weren't for all its values. I hope from my heart to see a new model of caftan. I wish you success. Thank you.
oumayma Posted 2007-12-23
Wow, beautiful! Long live the queen!
محبة للقفطان المغربي Posted 2007-12-24
We can in no way forsake the Moroccan Caftan. I hope to find a site to teach sewing on the internet. Is there any help? Thank you very much.
laila Posted 2008-01-04
This is really beautiful, especially Susan’s takchita.
لطفي67 Posted 2008-01-04
I'm one of the admirers of the authentic Moroccan Caftan. I would like you please to send me some pictures.
أمينة Posted 2008-01-04
The Caftans are very nice and I wish to see more pictures of them. Praise to God. Thank you.
hanane Posted 2008-01-04
hello there i like moroccan coftan i wish i can receive a new collection every time thank you in advance.
nezha Posted 2008-01-14
I’m glad to see the Moroccan Caftan which represents dear Morocco. I also hope to see design in a clear way. Thank you for your understanding. Nezha from Casablanca.
12359 Posted 2008-01-17
This is too ugly.
farrah Posted 2008-01-23
I like so much Moroccan dresses in all their forms. Can anyone help me with some addresses?
زينة1977 Posted 2008-01-29
Nice thing.
iness.larbi Posted 2008-02-11
May God protect the hand which made it and worked to make it. God bless you, I want a site of Moroccan dresses.
fatima zahra Posted 2008-02-16
Salam. I’m Fatima Zahra from Agadir. I like the Moroccan Caftan so much and wish everyone a successful career.
hidaya Posted 2008-02-21
I hope that there will be a modernization in the design of Moroccan attire, especially the Takchita and Caftan, by mixing up the modern and the traditional.
sanaa Posted 2008-02-22
The Moroccan caftan is very distinct and has a special nature, particularly in Morocco. But I personally don’t like the Moroccan caftan.
rajae de maroc Posted 2008-02-28
This is something clear and without exaggeration the Moroccan Kaftan is something incomparable meaning very chic. Long live Morocco and the beauty of Morocco. I love you, my country.
zakia berrada Posted 2008-02-29
This is so beautiful and elegant.
hajar Posted 2008-03-01
The authentic Moroccan caftan is very nice and excellent.
عائشة Posted 2008-03-05
I like the Moroccan Caftan.
Yamina Posted 2008-03-07
Please email me some traditional Moroccan sewing patterns.
رمال Posted 2008-03-20
By God it's great, there is nothing like it!
امي فاطمة Posted 2008-03-30
Thank you for this site and the staff working on it.
رباب Posted 2008-04-10
I love you, my authentic country.
yasmina Posted 2008-04-19
Hello, How can I buy a blue takchita?
Asia Malik Posted 2008-04-27
I would like to receive some picture, where to purchase etc, of Traditional Moroccan Wedding and fancy Dresses, Capes, and Kaftan. Shukran
samia Posted 2008-04-28
Even if it is imitated in other countries, Moroccan takchita is without equal. The Moroccan style will always be exceptional and splendid. :)
amina Posted 2008-04-28
Wooooooow great, thaaaaanks.
عبد السلام Posted 2008-04-29
Salam alikoum. Thank you for this unique site. I am from Asilah, I specialise in selling traditional sewing items including knots, Sefifa, traditional belts and pure silk.
زكية Posted 2008-05-02
Very nice Caftans, thank you.
ibtissam Posted 2008-05-08
Hi, I am looking for a takchita and wedding dress wholesaler in Rabat or Casablanca. Please help me.
Safia Posted 2008-05-16
Salam, I'm Safia from London If you want to have a Takchita like this it will cost loads of money! Thank you!!!!!
doha Posted 2008-05-16
Hi All, My name is Doha. I am from Nador, Morocco. I am 22 years old. I am looking for all models and photographs of caftans and Moroccan takchitas. I am getting married in August and I am looking for the latest styles of caftans and Moroccan takchitas. I hope you can help me out and offer me some advice you might have with regards to marriage. Thank you so much. Good luck everybody!
myriam guessouss Posted 2008-06-05
I think this website is very interesting.
samia Posted 2008-06-10
I am a married moroccan women living in Saudi Arabia and i started noticing that our coftans is used among both Saudi women as well as arab women living here,I am very glad that we in Morocco kept our traditional dress like koftan and even gave it modern touches.
SAMIRA Posted 2008-06-12
I would like to have some photographs. Thank you for this website. From Rabat, Samira
nadia Posted 2008-06-15
I like the Moroccan caftan, kisses to it.
عادل Posted 2008-06-23
I hope that someone from Morocco knows the people who sewed this Caftan. Provide me the information to help me get in touch with them and I will do the rest. Thanks in advance.
malika Posted 2008-06-24
Salam. Hi everyone. A reply to the question of your participant Adil who is looking for people who sew this type of Caftan. I sew all types of traditional dresses. Thank you very much.
نعيمة Posted 2008-07-06
I want a new kaftan, a 2008 model.
Fouad Posted 2008-07-10
Personally, I fear for the Moroccan caftan when I see how many Algerians are envious of it and, generally speaking, Morocco’s culture—fantasia, Gnaoui music, Andalusian music and so on. If you go surfing on the Internet sometime, you will see that some Algerians are saying that the caftan also belongs to their fatherland. They have begun to copy Moroccan corsets. I hope that Moroccan fashion designers will not let this slide. Personally, I congratulate all the Moroccan artists and fashion designers; they have made me proud to be Moroccan.
الحسن Posted 2008-07-12
I am a traditional dressmaker for both women and men. I live in Safi and I love this sector. I like everything new in the field of traditional dressmaking Jellaba, Kaftan and Takchita.
amira Posted 2008-08-01
I want more pictures. Thank you.
hanaa Posted 2008-08-26
I love the Moroccan Kaftan so much. I hope that you send me pictures of a group or set of kaftans. Thank you.
majda Posted 2008-08-26
I want a Moroccan Jellaba with pants. I don't like Takchitas. Like Jnins, what a catastrophe.
dija Posted 2008-09-06
The Moroccan Kaftan is a nice heritage. I consider it a treasure of our country. I like it so much and I would die for it. I always wear it. Now I hope that you will show me pictures of the Moroccan Kaftan.
sana Posted 2008-09-17
The Caftan is very nice. I like it so much.
ام ندى Posted 2008-10-10
Salam alikum. I am looking for the addresses of factories which make traditional dresses in wholesale and also modern dresses in Casablanca.
اسماء Posted 2008-10-12
Salam alikum. It is very nice to preserve our Moroccan authenticity in the shape of the Moroccan caftan which is smart and decent. May God reward you with good.
sara Posted 2008-10-17
I make dresses like these. If you need me, you are welcome.
BELKOURI Posted 2008-10-19
Hello- Thank you for this website. I can say that there is nothing better than traditional Moroccan clothing and dress. Also, I would like to get some patterns and learn how to sew traditional Moroccan clothing. –Thank you so much
Mina Posted 2008-10-26
I will be visiting Morocco for 15 to 21 days depending on circumstances. I am interested in the traditional caftan, takchita and djellaba. I would like to get into contact with or get some good addresses of shops or professional seamstresses. –Thank you
nadia Posted 2008-11-12
Could you please give me a website address where I could find patterns for sewing caftans? Thank you in advance. May God protect you!
حسن ساخي Posted 2008-11-16
If you are interested in the Moroccan Sfifa which is a real decoration for the Moroccan traditional dress, welcome to see the new Sfifa.
chadia Posted 2008-12-10
I love the Moroccan Caftan. Thank you.
boras Posted 2008-12-12
The Moroccans have the best sense of dress amongst all Arabs. Our rich culture and heritage is not only unmatched anywhere in the Maghreb but no where in the Arab world do you see such beauty and elegance!
khadija elfadl Posted 2008-12-23
Hi- How is it going? I too have a Moroccan kaftan.
Toya Posted 2009-01-02
Hi. I have been searching the internet for a traditional Moroccan caftan pattern. If you know of a site, please email me. Thanks!
rachida Posted 2009-01-11
Hi. I was checking the net looking for Moroccan Caftan designs. If you know the address of some site, please send it to me via email. Thank you!
Najia Posted 2009-01-23
Please, send me photographs of the latest Moroccan caftans and takchitas. –Thank you in advance.
jamila Posted 2009-01-29
Salam.
mimoucha Posted 2009-02-05
I am interested in sfifas. Can you contact me? –Thank you
caroline Posted 2009-02-09
I would like to participate in this forum, but I do not know what to do.
saadia Posted 2009-02-11
Hi. I am from Italy. I will marry in August but haven't found any acceptable Negafa (a woman who assists the bride in Morocco in dressing). Can you help me?
guij Posted 2009-02-20
Salam. How are you? Is there anything new or not?
hafida Posted 2009-02-22
I thank you for this nice site. A nice message to Moroccans in order to know origins of traditional dresses. Thank you. I am from Khmisset. I study Moroccan design and I like to see pictures of traditional dresses. I hope to have friends in the same domain. I used to practise Moroccan embroidery. I hope to succeeded in this and participate with you.
mimoucha Posted 2009-03-03
Salam- I am looking for traditional Moroccan sewing patterns for the sfifas and akaads. -Thank you
maya Posted 2009-03-10
I thought I will see many varied models, but it seems quite the opposite.
Anonymous Posted 2009-03-14
I am a researcher in history. The subject of my research paper is the traditional dress of women in Chefchaouen. Please help me with articles.
fatima Posted 2009-03-18
Thank you for the valuable achievements. Please send some models of Caftans and dresses.
زينب Posted 2009-03-20
I want to see designs of the Moroccan Caftan.
3afrae Posted 2009-03-24
I hope that you will offer me a Caftan educated people.
نادية Posted 2009-03-24
Can you please provide me with sites of fashion shows of Moroccan wedding dresses? I want to buy dresses I like through the internet. Please reply very soon if you don't mind.
mimoucha Posted 2009-03-27
Salam, I posted a comment to get patterns for sfifas and akaads, but I have not received a response.
brahim ameur Posted 2009-05-02
I am looking for a manufacturer silver and golden thread (real or false, gilded copper or plastic) called mejboud or, also, fetla for the traditional embroidery of Tunisian, Algerian and Maghreb wedding garments. Please accept my sincerest greetings. -Sincerely
lafati05 Posted 2009-05-03
Can I sell the Moroccan Caftan through the internet to the Gulf countries?
zidane Posted 2009-05-06
Welcome.
hassna Posted 2009-05-17
I am Hasna from Nador. I wanted to see new designs but I haven’t. Can I ask for new designs in Takchita and Jellaba? I hope that my request is accepted.
simsim Posted 2009-05-22
I love the Moroccan Caftan. May God reward you. Keep up your work. Salam alikum.
Anonymous Posted 16 days ago
I am looking for sewing patterns for the caftan, djabador and takchita. Can you give me any advice? -Thank you
نادين Posted 15 days ago
Hi. I am Nadine from Tangier. My request is that there should be schools or associations to teach modern and traditional design. This will facilitate learning according to levels of women who sell. The curriculum should be prepared by a specialist in this field. As to me, I have three diplomas and have a great experience in modern and traditional dresses. Now I practice my artistic profession. My ambition is to set up a club, association or school to teach and train women and men so that they can enter the job market in this nice field and avoid informal dressmaking. If anyone is interested or wants counsel.
أم زنوبة Posted 13 days ago
Thank you for this great site. I ask you to send me courses in traditional dressmaking and design of Moroccan dresses. Thank you very much.
أم زنوبة Posted 13 days ago
May God reward you for this great site. I am also a fan of this field. Therefore, I ask you to send me through my email courses of design and dressmaking of traditional Moroccan dresses. Nice greetings. Thank you very much.
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