Traditional embroidery on modern dresses, men’s robes turned into women’s jackets — Tunisian designers are making their mark with outfits inspired by their country’s heritage.
Drawing on a diverse range of regional styles, designers like Zeineb Chiboub are adding modern touches to the North African country’s traditional garb.
Wearing a hooded coat inspired by the kachabiya, a winter robe usually worn by men, Chiboub says the idea of reworking generations-old designs is catching on.
“Tunisians, especially young people, are increasingly fond of Tunisian heritage. They want to show their identity,” she says.
Every week, Chiboub, a pharmacist by training, heads to a different region in search of old clothes.
She cuts them up and transforms them into “stylized” models in order to sell them at her shop in an upmarket suburb of Tunis.
Tunisia boasts a wide variety of clothes inspired by past rulers, with Carthaginian, Roman, Amazigh, Arab, Andalusian and Ottoman styles all leaving an imprint.
Veteran designer Frad says her designs combine traditional embroidery with “more sophisticated, more tailored dresses, adapted to the tastes of the modern woman.”
She says the concept is increasingly popular. Stylist Ilyes Ben Amor agrees.
“The ethnic trend is in vogue at haute couture houses and on international podiums,” he says.
Some designers see taking inspiration from the country’s past as a statement against religious extremism. Tunisia has experienced an ongoing insurgency since a 2011 revolution toppled long-time ruler Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
“Our only weapon against fundamentalism is our identity, our culture, our craftsmanship,” says Fatma Ben Abdallah, head of the jury of the annual Khomsa d’Or fashion show.
The show, set for May 18, will host both amateur and professional artisans and designers. Organized by the National Crafts Board, it aims to revive the traditional dress in Tunisia, with the dream of crossing borders.

Source: Arab News