Algerian Radio
The Algerian Caftan, a symbol of authenticity and elegance, was honored during a fashion show organized on Saturday in Algiers, following the F'tour (Iftar) of the 24th day of the holy month of Ramadan, bringing together several personalities and stars from the Algerian cultural and artistic world.
Under the patronage of the Minister of Culture and Arts, Ms. Malika Bendouda, the second edition of the "Fashion Traditional" Festival, held at the El Aurassi hotel, chose to celebrate ancestral tradition and Algerian cultural heritage.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized the Algerian Caftan in December 2025 during its 20th session held in New Delhi, explicitly integrating the caftan, the gandoura, the melehfa, the quat, and the lhaf into the "festive female costume of the greater Algerian East," an inscription that highlights the ancestral know-how of the region's artisans and confirms the historical precedence of this traditional attire.
In the presence of several representatives of various diplomatic missions accredited in Algiers and a number of actors and artists, six female fashion designers showcased this refined ceremonial attire, distinguished by its complex haute couture embroidery in gold thread (fetla or mejboud) on velvet or satin.
Each presenting her own collection, sisters Halima, Assia, and Asma Djellabi from Souk Ahras, Hiba Cheriet from Guelma, Aïcha Bennari from Annaba, and Nibel Rezgui from Algiers, demonstrated their respective expertise, sublimating the different Caftan models, ranging from the classic, such as the Constantinois Cadi Caftan, to modern and sleek creations.
Six to eight models leading each of the shows wore the creations of these six great designers, who "well deserved to be in the spotlight," according to a spectator present at the event.
Guests at this grand event were able to appreciate, among other pieces presented during these fashion shows, the Constantine Caftan (qatifa), a must-have for brides in eastern Algeria, made of heavy velvet and famous for its dense golden mejboud embroidery.
The Algiers Caftan, traditionally lighter, which can be made of velvet or silk in different colors and features finer embroidery, was also highly applauded.
Other Caftan models presented included the so-called "modern" one, reinvented in various designs by the six female designers, who combined contemporary cuts with ancestral techniques, often featuring wide sleeves and elaborate belts.
The velvet Caftan, synonymous with luxury and highly prized in winter during evening events or ceremonies, was also a highlight of the evening.
The collections of the Djellabi sisters, Hiba Cheriet, Aïcha Bennari, and Nibel Rezgui all highlighted the Caftan, worn open or closed and paired with the Karakou, the Chedda, the Djeba, the Serouel chelka, as well as dresses representing all the regions of Algeria.
This heritage evening was enhanced by the suave voice of singer Yasmine Belkacem and the captivating rhythms and melodies of the Constantine troupes "Behdjet K’sentina" (Aissaoua), led by Boudraâ Temmam, and "El Safwane Dar Bernou," under the direction of Mustapha Sofa.
At the close of this grand evening, honorary trophies were awarded by the organizers to the six designers.
