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Vintage Moroccan Couture Caftan Dress by Designer Naima Bennis 60s Brocade Size M

$395.00

Brand Poppy's Vintage Clothing

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This is an exceptional example of Moroccan fashion design dating to the 1960s, made by Naima Bennis (see information on her lower below).  It is made in the traditional form of a Moroccan caftan using French haute couture metallic brocade fabric.  It is trimmed in gold metallic “passementerie”.  The neckline does up with 32 gold metallic ball shaped buttons and loops.  The body of the garment is loose fitting and flares to the bottom.  The sleeves are somewhat bell shaped with an open cuff that does up with 11 metallic gold buttons.  The fabric is a rich looking silk and silver metallic thread blend.  The pattern consists of a stylized floral and paisley design in colours of ochre, light blue and silver against a white background.  The piece is fully lined in blue acetate.  The garment is entirely hand sewn from what I’ve been able to discern.

 

Makers Label: Naima’s Caftans Rabat Hilton Maroc.  Naima was Naima Bennis (1940-2008), a little known Moroccan designer that has recently been rediscovered by a researcher at the Victoria and Albert museum.  She had a dedicated clientele of expats and diplomats stationed in Rabat and was known for mixing the traditional with the modern, using antique passemmenterie (French for decorative trim) from old caftans on newly made garments.  She would use traditional Moroccan fabrics like wools, but also utilized French haute couture fabrics, as found on this garment.  She was so successful that at one point she had three boutiques in the Hilton Hotel of Rabat and gained an international reputation, becoming very well known amongst Moroccan high society.  She closed her business in 1987. (many thanks to the V&A blog for the information contained herein)

Sizing: No size is indicated, but, being a loose fitting garment, this should fit a range of medium to large sizes - please rely on the following measurements for fit:

Shoulders:  16” across 

Sleeves:  20” 

Sleeve inseam:  13”

Bust:  37” around

Waist: 37” around

Hips:  41” around

Hemline:  58” around

Length:  50 1/2”, measured flat

Condition:  It is in very good condition with no wear, tear, stains or odours - this caftan looks like it saw little use and was well stored over the years.

This is a beautiful example of 60s Moroccan fashion design - only now becoming more appreciated and sure to increase in value!