THE TOUCH : Wearing the keffiyeh

After an awesome Tusker Project Fame season three, we are glad to have picked a few dress-up ideas from the contestant’s stylists. Truth be told the clothes flossed around the fame house were exquisite, we loved them and we want to copy. First things first, from Alpha, our favourite star and show’s winner, we want his keffiyeh; we want to learn how to wear it right. Keffiyeh is a big name to call the infamous Arab originated black and white checked scarfs. First to spot this incredible scarf was Yasser Arafat in the sixties, later it became an international symbol for the Palestinian struggle, since then it’s no longer exclusive to Arab men but is internationally recognized as ‘in’ attire for anyone. Now with growing hype, I would like to think that the Kaffiyeh trend is more of a fashion rather than a political statement. Traditionally, the scarf was worn around the head, today its folded diagonally and tied at the back, creating a visible V-shape which has become a cool obsession amongst many people in Kigali. The keffiyeh is also draped around shoulders or waist. Arafat owned a famous black and white one although now, one has to spend more time to choose, especially since it is available in hot colours like white, green, purple, red, brown, pink, blue scarf. Today the same can be found in almost all colour mixes. The keffiyeh, which is magnificently unisex, can be effortlessly thrown over a T-Shirt or blazer, dress, leather jackets, jeans, suit, knit sweater and even shirts. Growing demand has led to mass production and hence you don’t have to go to Middle East to buy one, as they are available in shops and stalls across town. pgathoni@gmail.com