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The Karakou was the choice outfit for Algiers' elite, and today it's still worn by Algerian women during important ceremonies and weddings.
The outfit was influenced by the Ottomans, embroidery techniques imported by a flux of Andalusian migrants, but has been reimagined to fit Algiers rich and booming culture. Here, the photos show two Jewish ladies from Algiers, (taken for orientalist postcards).
Here, the masculine equivalent to the Karakou. The serouel qaada is a popular one even today (in my town, we call it serouel loubia, which means bean pants).
The cool thing about Algiers' costumes at the time was that the feminine and masculine silhouettes were very similar - both wore poofy serouel qaada, embroidered vests... The gendering of clothes happened mostly in level of detail, jewelry, as well as embroidery patterns.
This is by no means a comprehensive reference for these - the garments have a rich history and are a testament to the highly skilled Algerian artisans, whose craft defined our history and shaped our identity. Couldn't fit those into tiny sheets.
If you'd like me to break down the fashion refs of any other of my drawings, let me know!
