HIBAPRESS – I. Al-Samlali
The red city of Marrakech shines again as the capital of global elegance, as the activities of the twenty-sixth edition of "Caftan Week" for the year 2026 have begun, in a celebration that transcends the boundaries of fashion to touch the depth of Moroccan identity. This edition, organized by "Women of Morocco Magazine" under the slogan "Atlas Breath," has chosen to honor the towering mountains as a source of visual and artisanal inspiration.
While the events extend from May 7th to 10th, the caftan in this edition stands out as a living symbol of collective memory, as designers and organizers seek to present an artistic reading that connects ancient Amazigh symbols with innovative modern touches. This momentum comes in an exceptional context following the inclusion of the Moroccan caftan on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage, which gave the event an international flavor that celebrated the status of this garment as one of the finest human artistic expressions, which was embodied in the "Traditional Atlas Industry" exhibition at Dar al-Bacha, which celebrated the skills of the artisans who preserved this legacy over the centuries. The event was not limited to the presentation platforms, but rather turned into a serious intellectual and discussion space; As-Saadi Palace witnessed a "master class" symposium that discussed the equation of "modernization without betraying the origin," with the participation of a select group of specialists and designers who discussed ways to preserve the authentic spirit of the caftan while adapting it to the requirements of international markets. This discussion paves the way for the future of traditional clothing, which is clearly evident in the attention given to the emerging talents that the session gives a special platform to present their creative visions before an expert jury. As the activities continue, "Caftan Week" remains a bridge that connects the wisdom of traditional craftsmen and the ambition of the new generation of designers, confirming that the caftan is not just a piece of clothing, but rather a cultural entity that breathes with the lungs of history and looks with the eyes of modernity, awaiting what will result from the "Young Talents" show and the rest of the evenings that promise more aesthetic splendor.
