moroccan fashion

MOROCCO’S FASHION DESIGNER

A highlight of Muscat Fashion Week 2013 in Oman was the 36-piece collection by Moroccan kaftan couturier Zhor Rais

The National, Rebecca McLaughlin-Duane (Jan. 17, 2013) — A highlight of Muscat Fashion Week 2013 was the 36-piece collection by the North African kaftan couturier Zhor Rais. Having first shown her designs in Oman 25 years ago, the Moroccan designer had the perfect opportunity at this week’s event to educate her children about how her debut helped turned her into a runaway commercial success.

How does it feel to be back at MFW?

I feel very nostalgic to be back and I am so proud to represent Morocco at this fabulous Gulf event. I love this country and things have changed a lot, for me and it, in more than two decades. I’m also delighted to be able to bring my two daughters with me. My 29-year-old, Shadia, designs with me, helping to keep things fresh and young.

The designer Zhor Rais, right, showed her 36-piece kaftan collection, Muscat Fashion Week. Courtesy Muscat Fashion Week

With whom did you design the collection you are showing in mind?

Well, it’s certainly not just Arab women. It’s for everyone. My primary aim is to encourage international women to have a kaftan in their wardrobe. That’s what I’m striving for.

In addition to kaftans the collection includes shirts, jackets, capes and jalabiyas for daywear and evening wear. The fabrics are predominately satin, organza, lace and chiffon in pastel shades but there are also some spicy colours such as yellow velvet, orange and turquoise.

Explain your decision to take the “kaftan cause” to a European fashion capital.

Eight years ago, I showed at Paris Haute Couture Week. It wasn’t cheap to do yet I would do it again and again because I truly want everyone to know about the Moroccan kaftan. I’ll pay the price to promote and market it abroad, and of course I’m happy when they sell, but it’s more important for me to be something of an ambassador for kaftans abroad.

Muscat Fashion Week 2013 in Oman

Will kaftans always remain at the heart of your collections?

Absolutely. It’s my culture so I’m keeping tradition alive and giving it a modern twist.

While our materials are often sourced from Paris, our thread only comes from Morocco and we use around 20 local craftswomen to embellish the pieces around the neck, sleeves and central panels. We also love using Moroccan brocade. I’m just here to explain that Moroccan fashion hasn’t completely lost its noble heritage. I’m emphasising its elegance, grace and that these handcrafted designs can be worn by anyone, anywhere, anytime.

What first inspired you to get into design?

I started designing for myself and others in my late teenagers. I then attended schools in Casablanca such as L’École Superieure des Beaux Arts and Esmod, which used to be there. Design was always part of my environment because my father had a workshop making uniforms for the Moroccan army.

Although his pieces were very sober in form and colour, when I started designing kaftans some of my creations appeared with straight lines of beads across the shoulders – undoubtedly inspired by the military stripes of his uniforms.

Muscat Fashion Week last year. Lloyd Images / Muscat Municipality.

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The King of Morocco is called Mohammed VI.

The King of Morocco is called Mohammed VI.

King Mohammed VI is the eldest son of King Hassan II, who ruled Morocco from 1961 to 1999.

In 2002, King Mohammed VI, who is the 18th king of the dynasty of the House of Alaoui – dynasty that reigns in Morocco since 1966 – married Salma Benani who, as his wife, took the title of princess consort and was renamed for Lalla Salma of Morocco.

The daughter of a primary school’s teacher, Lalla Salma did college as computer and systems analyst, and have a degree in Computer Engineering.

King of Morocco with his wife

Princess Consort worked for a company and her openness to society was always well received by the population.

Therefore, it is no wonder that it was the first wife of a Moroccan king to receive a royal title.

Her role as first lady of Morocco is supporting causes such as associations, supporting people with cancer and HIV / AIDS.

King Mohammed VI and Lalla Salma of Morocco has two children: Crown Prince Moulay Hassan (born 2003) and his sister, Princess Lalla Khadjia (born in 2007).

The wardrobe of Princess Consort of Morocco is something always talked about.

King Mohammed VI is the seventh richest monarch in the world, in 2009 he appeared in Forbes magazine as his fortune is estimated at 1,900 million euros.

Wealth is seen in the clothes and shoes that his wife uses: Chanel, Dior and Prada.

All of haute-couture houses around the world are interspersed by traditional Moroccan clothes, such as kaftans.

According to the Moroccan constitution, King Mohammed VI is the one who has the title of Commander of the Faith or religious leader, called in Morocco as Amir al-Mu’minin. But despite all this power concentrated in one person, King Mohammed VI has always been very open to constitutional amendments.

King of Morocco

Born in 1963, Mohammed VI wanted to show modern in his resolutions, thus maintaining a constitutional monarchy but with enhanced powers of the prime minister and parliament.

King Mohammed VI is the eldest of five children, having one brother and three sisters.

They are Prince Moulay Rachid – who ranks second in line of succession to the crown of Morocco, and the three princesses: Lalla Meryem, Lalla Asma and Lalla Hasna. The king’s brother, Moulay Rachid, has a degree in international politics and is currently a diplomat in Morocco.morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco

moroccan dresses

Moroccan Dresses
Morocco is a country comprising a multitude of people from different ethnic groups. The population of Morocco constitutes people from the East, which includes Berbers, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Jews, and Arabs; the South comprising people from Africa; and the North including Romans, Vandals, and Moors. The multi-faceted composition of Morocco's people has given the nation a rich culture and civilization. Moroccan men traditionally wear a long, loose, hooded piece of clothing with full sleeves called the 'djellaba'. On special occasions, they can be seen donning a red cap called a 'tarbouche', which is referred to as 'Fez'. Most men in Morocco wear soft leather slippers that are traditionally known as 'baboosh'. Women are also known to wear this footwear; however, ladies also wear high-heeled sandals mostly in silver or gold tinsel. The 'djellaba' resembles the Kaftan, however, the only distinguishing factor is that it has a hood. The 'djellaba' for women is available in an array of bright colors along with ornate patterns, beading or stitching; men wear the 'djellaba' in simpler, neutral colors. The overall cost of producing traditional Moroccan wardrobe is expensive as a substantial amount of the work on the clothes is done by hand. Moroccan women's clothing is prepared from silk. Despite the diversity in the cultural heritage of the country, the people of Morocco treasure and cherish their rich culture that has evolved over the years. Moroccan women are known to purchase at lest one traditional outfit every year for either a religious or a family function.

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