Fashion Style and Outfit Code in Marrakech

Written by Abraham Kone Friday, 06 May 2011 08:40

As in any other Muslim country, there are in Morocco a series of rules specific to how woman have to outfit. Muslim woman are usually guided by the Koran in this respect and by their husband's desire to determine the degree of modesty and decency with which they have to dress themselves before going out. However, only as any religious book, the Koran is matter to as numerous interpretations as there are readers, and this is why there are, as well in terms of outfit code, therefore numerous differences and contradictions.

As in any other Muslim country, there are in Morocco a series of rules specific to how woman have to outfit. Muslim woman are usually guided by the Koran in this respect and by their husband's desire to determine the degree of modesty and decency with which they have to dress themselves before going out. However, only as any religious book, the Koran is matter to as numerous interpretations as there are readers, and this is why there are, as well in terms of outfit code, therefore numerous 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 merchants in the Medina there is a fantastic variety of these clothing that might be bought at very different prices, depending on the quality of the dressmaking plus the fabric. It is too quite regular for Moroccans to go to a tailor to get them made-to-measure. There is a good guild of fantastic tailors in Marrakech who, besides common clothing, might make suits, dinner jackets or excellently cut trousers at very cost-effective prices.

In the evening, in the hot spots, dressing fashion is 100% Western. "Hijabs" are rarely seen in luxury restaurants and never seen in nightclubs. Woman in Marrakech may easily succumb to the temptation of a slight excess in the distribution of their neckline, high-heeled shoes and miniskirts. These are rather new dress for their culture and they are still in the process of adopting them, therefore at times it's reasonably evident that they are not yet used to putting on 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 lady model designers has burst with its own clat in the country. The mixture of common elements with new fabrics and patterns has turned the creations of these artists into a genuine temptation for those who like to costume well. For instance, you might 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 too 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 lady designers, will serve kindly.

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