Zineb Seghrouchni on redefining Moroccan fashion in Dutch exhibition

Zineb Seghrouchni, founder of DAR Cultural Agency and co-curator of an exhibition on Moroccan fashion in Utrecht, highlights how Moroccan fashion is often misrepresented in the West. According to Seghrouchni, it is typically reduced to «bling bling» and decorative elements, overlooking the depth of craftsmanship and the blend of traditional and contemporary design.

The exhibition, which can be seen from October 3rd in the Centraal Museum in Utrecht, aims to change these perceptions by showcasing the diverse array of Moroccan fashion, incorporating modern interpretations, local traditions, and artistic collaborations. «Most people think of kaftans when they hear Moroccan fashion», says Seghrouchni, «but there's so much more, including influences that parallel global fashion trends».

Seghrouchni, who has a Moroccan-Dutch background, also emphasizes the importance of showcasing the contributions of Moroccans in the Netherlands, particularly in the fields of arts, economics, and social initiatives.

«There are now three or four generations of Moroccans in the Netherlands. It is a group that contributes a lot in all kinds of areas - artistic, economic, and social. That should be seen more», she said in an interview.

Seghrouchni believes that her bicultural upbringing is what helps her connect different cultural worlds and bridge international relationships, a skill she now uses to promote Moroccan artists and designers through her cultural agency.