Kaftan Queen
Kaftan Queen: What’s in a name?
When you hear the name, you think of One Thousand and One Nights; Oriental princesses who pass by dressed in beautiful and rustling robes in a fairy-tale setting like our Riad Orange. Still, the kaftan has only become a favorite garment among Moroccan women much later than one would guess. Originally the robe comes from the Middle East and was mainly worn by the male population. The Ottoman Sultans in particular were delighted to see this unknown Arab garment. Thus they created a new fashion trend in North Africa by giving a new dimension to the robe. By richly decorating the fabrics with gold thread and precious stones, every kaftan became a work of art. And by wearing it you shine in bathed light like an aura around you. Did you know the Topkali Palace in Istanbul houses the most valuable collection of kaftans in the world?
The wealthy Moroccan women have also embraced it and traditionally wear the caftan indoors. In the past, there was a desire for “beauty like paradise” and wearing heavenly clothing contributed to this. Due to the development of women’s empowerment, women’s fashion has changed. Often now is chosen for the convenience and comfort associated with working outdoors. However, the caftan is still a popular item of clothing for special occasions! Queen Lalla Salma of Morocco also regularly shines in one. A holiday like Aid-el-Kebir / sacrificial feast or a wedding makes women beat their hearts to dress again in such beautiful garments. And did you know that a bride wears 7 different kaftans on her wedding day?! Everyone still wants to always feel like a Kaftan Queen! And the English Sarah Buchan is happy to help with her beautiful collection!
Kaftan Queen: lighten up your style
Sarah and her husband Yayha, from London, have been living in Marrakech for many years. The city gives them a creative boost and they like to be inspired by the local craftsmen. Both are now successful designers in their fashion profession resp. light decoration. An amalgamation between Eastern elegance and Western minimalism each characterizes their style. In 2013, Yahya was even honored with the highest award for his contribution in the field of Art and Design by King Mohammed VI.
Sarah has also become a respected designer in Marrakech in the field of kaftans and beautiful women’s clothing. She started the Kaftan Queen boutique in trendy Gueliz, near the MACMA – Private Moroccan art & culture museum. She received a lot of praise for her designs! Her various collections, including children’s clothing, are characterized by their everyday wearing comfort, the choice of fabrics, the good cut, and the use of traditional techniques such as Randa and Sfifa. These are embroidery techniques in which beautiful ornate details are incorporated into the design. A kaftan with a modern twist and suitable for today’s woman.
Sarah has recently opened a second shop in the medina near our Riad Orange. It has a minimalist design and yet has an oriental touch such as a velvet pouffe and beautiful lighting. The boutique is located on the first floor with a view of Place Ferblantiers. In the street starts the lively bustle for which Marrakech is known and you walk via Bab Mellah Mosque further into the medina. But you can also easily walk to the Mellah from here or the famous Palais de Bahia and the El-Badi. A visit to her shop is a must! Do you want to succeed for an affordable caftan? Would you, also at home, like to shine on a summer day or wear it to a special occasion? Or do you want to be the special one? If you fancy being an oriental princess in Marrakech, then Kaftan Queen is the place to be!