Elegant Ethiopian women in habesha kemis dress

Afroculture.net takes you on a trip to Ethiopia. We set off to discover an essential traditional dress “habesha kemis” which is the pride of Ethiopian and Eritrean women.

But first of all, what is habesha kemi dress?

Habesha kemis dress is a long traditional hand-woven dress with a bodice and sleeves. This dress is usually made of white cotton fabric called shemma or chiffon in a neutral shade such as grey, white or beige. The way the Kemis is presented may differ depending on the community and ethnicity. It is possible to accentuate the dress with brightly coloured embroidery on the neck, wrist, bottom, middle and top of the dress. Around the waist, women wear a light shawl or scarf called a netela or netsela, which matches the fabric and pattern of the dress. It can also be worn over the hair or shoulders..

A popular fashion

Habesha fashion has become more and more popular and trendy. It is a thriving industry with renowned designers who mix modernity and tradition in their designs. Examples include designers Admas, Nais, Finchitua and Farida Deglel. Some Rastafarian women from the African Diaspora also wear habesha kemis dresses.

On what occasions should you wear this elegant and chic garment?

Ethiopian or Eritrean women wear this chic and elegant dress at special ceremonies or events such as weddings, Christmas or New Year celebrations..

With this dress, women wear a hairstyle with Ethiopian habeshas braids named Albaso.