Here There and Everywhere

Traditional Clothing Exposition

Last night I was invited for a very special occasion, the Tarek Rajab family had a private showing of their unparalleled Arab Dress collection for the Kuwait Textile Arts Association. We enjoy their two museums so much – we take our friends and visitors there, sometimes we just visit the calligraphy museum to watch the film on calligraphy one more time! We learn something new with every visit. If you have never visited either of these museums, you are missing one of the rare treats in Kuwait.

On top of their value on traditional items, their foresight in beginning the collection decades ago, their two museums are open to the public, entirely free. Free of charge. Free admission. I never can get over it; the entire country of Kuwait is an honored guest in these museums. Imagine.

Denise Rajab, the museum curator, was on hand to answer questions about the costumes, which were displayed hanging against backgrounds showing photos of the countries and surroundings where these items of dress would be worn. White gloves were available to all present, and people were encouraged to (gently) handle the garb, so that you could see front and back.

There was so much loving attention to detail, so much handwork in these items of clothing!

I encourage you, my friends in Kuwait, to do two things. First, visit the two Tarek Rajab museums (located in Jabriya, near the New English School.) Here is their website: Tarek Rajab Museums

Second, if you want a window on a whole new world, join this group, Kuwait Textile Arts Association. Take their trips (this year the group just got back from South Africa, and are whooping with delight!) and attend their monthly meeting, meet some of the most interesting people in Kuwait, interesting because they have wide-ranging interests – like yours!

Here are some photos from a truly remarkable evening:

I hope I’m in town next year for all the meetings, and . . . I’ll see you there!

April 23, 2008 Posted by intlxpatr | Arts & Handicrafts, Community, Cross Cultural, Entertainment, ExPat Life, Kuwait, Living Conditions, Uncategorized | Add new tag, Gulf dress, Levant dress, North African dress, Omani dress, Saudi dress, traditional dress, Yemeni dress | 3 Comments