Habesha Kemis (Habesha Dress) is a traditional Ethiopian outfit originating from the northern parts of Ethiopia. It is made of cotton fabric and typically comes in white, gray and beige colors. It is worn with a shawl called Netela which is much thinner than the dress and worn around the shoulders and arms or tied on the waist. It varies slightly depending on the part of the region it is from.
The dress is traditionally ankle length and decoratively embroidered with Tilet, shiny threads, around the bottom and down the middle of the dress. The embroidery on the dress is matched with the embroidery on the shawl giving the outfit an elegant traditional look. The shawl is also made in bright colors to match any other outfit.
For men the embroidery is incorporated at the sleeves, collar, down the middle of a shirt and bottom of pants to on the traditional outfit for men.
The Tilet is also often incorporated in modern outfits and bags by Ethiopian fashion designers. Some of the collections have been showcased at the New York Fashion Week, Hub of Africa Fashion Week, Africa Fashion week in New York among many.
Pictures from: Africa Fashion Week Website
Place an order for your own Habesha Kemis from the selection in our store.
