On April 5, 2025, Casablanca lit up with color, culture, and craftsmanship as it hosted the first-ever edition of the Caftan Festival — a celebration not only of fashion but of Morocco’s rich heritage and timeless beauty. Held under the theme “The Caftan, a Living Heritage,” the event felt more like a love letter to Moroccan identity than a typical runway show.
Organized by Illinois and Fashion Amir, the festival brought together designers, diplomats, artists, and cultural figures from across the globe. From the very start, it was clear this was something special — an evening where threads of the past were woven into the fabric of the present, all through the power of design.
The runway came alive with pieces that told stories. Every stitch, every color, every silhouette paid homage to traditional Moroccan dress while embracing fresh, contemporary flair. One of the most talked-about moments? The Rural Bride showcase — a magical tribute to the essence of rural Morocco. The audience was captivated by the detail, the emotion, and the way each design carried generations of history on its sleeves.
But the festival wasn’t just about the clothes. It was about the people — the ones who carry culture forward. Among the honored guests were the Lebanese Ambassador and representatives from the State of Palestine, whose presence added both diplomatic grace and a deep sense of shared humanity to the evening. Journalists and artists who’ve long supported Moroccan arts and identity were also recognized, making the night feel like a big, heartfelt thank-you to everyone working to keep culture alive.
The evening also featured the presentation of special awards that honored excellence in design and cultural impact. El Mehdi Louber, a Moroccan fashion model based in France, was named Fashion Ambassador for 2024–2025, joining the distinguished ranks of personalities shaping the future of Moroccan fashion. His recognition added another layer of excitement to the event and celebrated his role in representing Moroccan beauty and elegance on international stages.
Also central to the festival’s emotional resonance were two powerful designers whose work lit up the runway with meaning: Souad Saddiki and Mohamed Zaimi.
Souad Saddiki, who holds the title Ambassador of the Caftan for Peace by UNESCO in Egypt, brings something incredibly personal to her work. Raised in a traditional rural Amazigh community, Souad grew up surrounded by embroidered fabrics, bold colors, and jewelry that told ancestral stories. Her designs are more than beautiful — they’re soulful. Through them, she honors the strength and grace of the Moroccan rural woman, blending outer elegance with a deep cultural soul. For Souad, fashion is not just about style — it’s a form of storytelling, of connection, of peace.
Mohamed Zaimi, on the other hand, is known as the Ambassador of Amazigh Dress in Northern Morocco. With over 15 years of experience, Mohamed has mastered the art of blending tradition with modern taste. Whether it’s a classic jellaba, a sleek selham, or a newly inspired Amazigh garment, his attention to detail and cultural pride shines through. What sets him apart is his belief that fashion should reflect who we are — and help us carry a piece of our roots, no matter how far we go.
Together, their contributions added authenticity and depth to the Caftan Festival, reminding everyone in attendance that fashion can be a living bridge between past and present.
In the end, the Caftan Festival wasn’t just about fashion. It was about memory. About legacy. About how something as simple as a caftan can carry centuries of love, resilience, beauty, and spirit. And judging by the magic that unfolded in Casablanca on April 5th, Moroccan fashion is not only alive — it’s glowing with pride and ready for the world.
