Fashion show in Dougga: When fashion meets history
In Tunisia, the Dougga music festival is celebrating its 47th edition this year and closes its festivities with something new: a fashion show highlighting the cultural heritage of the region. Entitled “Facets of Dougga”, this event highlights the archaeological site of Dougga, one of the best preserved Roman sites in North Africa and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Organized as part of the Creative Tunisia project, funded by the European Union, this fashion show aims to create bridges between Tunisian designers, local heritage and crafts. Around ten creators participated in the event and drew their inspiration from the multicultural history of Dougga, which was marked by Libyan, Punic, Numidian, Roman-African and Byzantine influences.
Among the designers present, Hedi Ben Mami, from the Benma brand, was inspired by the Carthaginian Punic civilization to create a collection that pays homage to the history of Dougga. In particular, he used elements reminiscent of ancient armor, while adapting them to a contemporary style.
But this parade is not limited to fashion. Indeed, the majority of creators also worked in collaboration with Tunisian artisans, thus highlighting local know-how. This collaboration between creators and artisans strengthens the value chain of Tunisian crafts and allows an opening to the international market.
The parade took place at sunset, in the middle of the ruins of Dougga, offering a unique and magical setting. The models paraded on a catwalk set up in the middle of Dar Lecheb, the remains of an ancient sanctuary, thus creating a perfect symbiosis between contemporary fashion and the thousand-year-old history of Tunisia.
This fashion show in Dougga is a real success, both artistically and culturally. It demonstrates the richness and diversity of the Tunisian creative scene, while highlighting the exceptional heritage of the region. An initiative that opens new perspectives for the promotion of Tunisian fashion and crafts, while promoting the history and cultural heritage of the country.
In conclusion, the “Facets of Dougga” fashion show is a beautiful illustration of how fashion can be a way to celebrate the history and showcase the cultural heritage of a place. An initiative that proves once again that creativity and heritage can come together to create unique and inspiring experiences.