Takchita - tale of dress

Takchita symbolizes Moroccan tradition and innovation and it has been the pride of Moroccan women. They wear it during celebrations especially for wedding receptions. The history of takchita dates back to the Merinide Dynasty.

Takchita is combination of two layers, the inner layer is just a fine fabric dress and the middle layer is just for buttoning up the uppermost layer with sfifa and akaad closures but the upper layer is richly decorated with embroidery, beads and sequins.

It's surprising that the Moroccan women still prefer Caftan in an era of modern dress. The Socio-religious fabric of the Moroccan society which is predominantly of Islam beliefs encourages and advocates the women and men wear modest dress and takchita covers the whole body from the neck to bottom and even wrists.

The takchita, a mixture of Caftan and Top (dfin) has been undergoing tremendous changes in terms of innovation and creativity. The styles and designs differ from region to region though there are some of the basic aspects in common. The traditional tailors trying hard and devoting their energy in creating innovative takchitas to compete in the modern fashion market. The ancient art does undergo changes mostly in cities which is not that conspicuous in the country sides. The traditional costume of city population is characterized by the sobriety of the coat of exterior (Haim and Djellaba) and the richness of the coat of interior (caftan or gandoura takchita).

Although the Caftan grew to fame and majesty in Morocco under the patronage of it unique culture and civilization, the trace of history shows its origins worldwide. Sultan Sulaiman had the magnificent port itself. The Ottomans and the Russians wore embroidered caftans, especially on the front and sleeves. The Caftans used to be gifted in any high profile occasions.

Selimiye, with a wide vertical stripes and perfect and elaborate embroidery is said to have risen in the second half of 17th century. Remarkably, the fabrics were produced and imported from a Turkey, Italy, India and China and most of the names of the fabric in Moroccan Language still exist in some parts of the country, namely bürümcük, aba, Canfer, gatma, Gezi, diba, kutnu, kemha, serasera.

However the immaculate elegance of Caftan is widely visible in Morocco and every day witnesses the birth of innovation and creativity in Takchita. The whole modern world recognizes its beauty. Popular events like Caftan Maroc is held in Morocco that showcases the ravishing Moroccan and foreign designers best, or say magnum opus of their creation of Takchita. 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.

The traditional dress has a very significant role in the royal family and the Caftan is now the official apparel of princess in all the events and parties. Whether Jewish or Muslim affluent women or men wear Caftan, Takchita, it still remains the Moroccan heritage dress over the years now.