Fashion Style and Outfit Code in Marrakech

By Abraham Kone


As in any other Muslim country, there are in Morocco a series of rules specific to how women should dress. Muslim women are often guided by the Koran in this respect and by their husband's desire to determine the degree of modesty and decency with which they should attire themselves before going out. But, just as any religious book, the Koran is subject to as many interpretations as there are readers, and this is why there are, also in terms of dress code, so many differences and contradictions.

In any situation, tourist woman are not matter to these rules. People in Marrakech are immensely respectful towards foreign customs, therefore they will hardly appear offended by a girl putting on tank-tops or a short skirt. In reality, it could even make their day...

In general, most woman begin putting on the "hijab" (veil covering hair, ears and neck) after they get married, although certain burkas may be seen as well. Young woman and teenagers usually combine the "hijab" with jeans and Western-like T-shirts, however it's as well quite normal to see woman putting on djellabas (a long loose apparel with full sleeves and a hood) or kaftans (a cloak with full sleeves and sash reaching down to the ankles).

In the retailers in the Medina there's a perfect variety of these dress that may be bought at very different prices, depending on the quality of the dressmaking and also the fabric. It's as well quite normal for Moroccans to go to a tailor to get them made-to-measure. There's a good guild of perfect tailors in Marrakech who, except standard dress, may make suits, dinner jackets or excellently cut trousers at very economical prices.

In the evening, in the hot spots, dressing style is 100% Western. "Hijabs" are rarely seen in luxury restaurants and never seen in nightclubs. Women in Marrakech can easily succumb to the temptation of a slight excess in the distribution of their neckline, high-heeled shoes and miniskirts. These are rather new garments for their culture and they are still in the process of adopting them, so at times it is fairly evident that they are not yet used to wearing them.

On the other hand, the evolution of men's dressing style has been quite different. The youngest men have replaced the djellabas with jeans and T-shirts. They love flashy sunglasses and caps and hats.

In the last few years, a generation of male and female fashion designers has burst with its own clat in the country. The mixture of traditional elements with new fabrics and designs has turned the creations of these artists into a true temptation for those who like to dress well. For instance, you can visit Kenza Melehi's boutique in Marrakech, located in a narrow street in the Gueliz neighbourhood and surrounded by innumerable art galleries and exhibition halls. We also recommend you to visit a tiny shop called Kasbet, located in 216 Rue Riad Zitound Jdid in the Medina, where Cassie and Rebecca, two Australian women designers, will serve kindly.

Come to the fascinating city of Marrakech and enjoy its designs, its style and its distinctive fashion. The Ochre City as well offers culture and a fascinating tradition, monuments and countless tourist attractions, and also a perfect nightlife, a delightful cuisine and also the widest range of shopping opportunities.




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