Moroccan Fashion & Techniques

Moroccan fashion as tradition. 

When looking at the history of morocco briefly its reveals Moroccan material culture has a long history of external influences due to the import trade routes that fed the local market, as Morocco’s geographical position is on the crossroads of three continents.  In the late fifteenth century After the Spanish inquisition many skilled craftsmen settled in morocco introducing their weaving, embroidery and tailoring skills to the country. 

Moroccan fashion is a huge part of Moroccan heritage and culture and various events in throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries have had a great impact on Moroccan fashion. For example the French protectorate lasted no longer than 50 years yet it strongly influenced Moroccan fashion by introducing the French lifestyle, fashion and culture. This elevated Moroccan fashion as a sign of resistance and nationalism. 

Traditional techniques. 

Moroccan Embroidery; 

Embroidery throughout morocco is not only used on garments and textiles but is classed as a form of art throughout the history of morocco. Young girls were often taught as part of a group under a ma'allema (master crafts woman), they would embroider cushions, throws and fabrics to add character to there own homes and own clothes. Being able to own elaborate embroidered pieces was seen as a status symbol. Like other arts throughout morocco, Moroccan embroidery tend to be abstract, and rarely include figures of a human form. The most common patterns that are embroidered tend to include chevrons, crosses, squares, stars, leaves and flowers. Most floral designs would be quite abstract, some embroidery patterns would be doubled or even quadrupled thread giving a three dimensional look. Historically embroidery throughout morocco would include colours like, black, blue, red and yellow, with white/ivory base so ensure the embroidery stitches would show well. Moroccan embroidery styles are specific and distinctive to certain cities throughout the country. For example embroiderers from the city of Fez are most famously known for creating designs using one colour these designs would also be, detailed, geometric, structured and symmetrical. Yet the embroiderers from the city of Rabat are best known for extravagant, seductive and enchanting  designs that are influenced greatly by the Spanish culture. Most embroidery Rabat is feminine, multi-coloured patterns produced over large surfaces.  

Moroccan embroideries today continues to be very important throughout morocco, particularly for clothing. Moroccan designs nowadays still consist of intricate geometrical patterns used on sleeves and boarders on clothing garments. Although new ways of embroidery have come to light to make things easier and quicker to produce, a lot of the older Moroccan creatives tend to stick to the traditional methods. However the younger generation of Moroccan creatives have now started to use hand guided machine embroidery. This type of embroidery is still beautiful but not as intricate or unique as hand embroidery. 

Moroccan Weaving; 

Weaving is a common form to create beautiful fabrics, throws and rugs. Throughout Moroccan culture it is thought that weaving has Baraka (divine qualities), and the wool used is also thought to be filled with Baraka. The loom itself is believed to be a spirit that has magical traits. Some Berber's believe that the power of the loom begins before its built, for example some Berber's say its bad luck to step over threads before attached to the loom as it may bring a lifetime of bad luck.