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Rabat — The Moroccan caftan captivated fashion experts and sewing enthusiasts at the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, held from October 3 to 5 in Moscow.
During the event, which aims to foster global interactions in the fashion sector for emerging countries, the Moroccan caftan took center stage, receiving an enthusiastic reception from both fashion aficionados and industry experts.
Wafaa Daoui, a member of the Silk Road and Al Andalus Association spoke about the importance of the Moroccan caftan selection that dazzled the runway.
“This is about showcasing Moroccan culture and our expertise in the fashion sector,” Moroccan news agency MAP quoted Daoui as saying.
She noted that the fashion summit also served as a platform for gathering organizations and exports to discuss collaboration opportunities.
“The Moroccan caftan is a unique piece. Beyond the outfit, there is a whole story and storytelling behind it,” she said.
Africa was represented by delegations from more than 30 countries in the summit, which was launched in 2023 to promote diversity and support local talents.
The Moroccan caftan has taken center stage across the globe, with celebrities embracing this outfit at numerous prestigious international and local festivals.
One such recent spotting was at the IIFA Awards in Dubai, where Indian artist Honey Singh’s alleged girlfriend was wearing a beautiful yellow caftan.
In recent years, Morocco’s heritage, including the caftan, has faced attempts at cultural appropriation from Algeria.
The situation has prompted widespread concerns and appeals, with activists and ordinary citizens urging the government to take urgent measures to address the escalating issues surrounding cultural appropriation and the protection of Morocco’s heritage.
In April, Culture Minister Mehdi Bensaid met in Geneva with Darren Tang, the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
The meeting addressed venues to protect Morocco’s cultural heritage and Algeria’s obsessive co-opting of Moroccan culture.
Tang expressed his support for Morocco’s legitimate right to the protection of its historical heritage including zellige mosaics.
“The project we implemented in 2016 in Morocco regarding your famous zellige, in addition to the numerous projects we are currently implementing, will be based on a comprehensive approach to intellectual property,” he said.
