Keffiyeh – A Fashion Accessory Or A Controversy

Keffiyeh or kufiya, got its origin from Arabic language; meaning ‘from the city of Kufa’. Keffiyeh is the traditional headdress that was used to be worn primarily by people of Middle East. Though Keffiyeh mainly symbolises the Palestinian Nationalism, it has been worn by Arabs all across the globe.

Initially Keffiyeh was worn as a protective covering for face and eyes. There were times when it was considered to be just an ideal shield against harsh sun rays and dust storms. But later this simple chequered pattern cloth piece became an iconic symbol.

It was until 1960’s that Keffiyeh was taken as a simple Arab headgear. Soon after its adoption by Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, Keffiyeh became the trademark symbol of the Palestinian nation and its fight for independence. The black and white fringed scarf was being associated with Palestinian Nationalism on a much wider scale.  

In late 1980’s, Keffiyehs emerged as a fashion accessory. Ever-changing fashion trends gave birth to a versatile Keffiyeh that can be worn as a scarf around the neck, draped across the shoulder or tied on a head as a trendy headgear. Multiple color schemes and pattern variations gave Keffiyeh a totally new look and a significance on an altogether different level. The fashion scene of the year 2000 introduced Keffiyeh as a trendy scarf that was equally liked by Muslims and non-Muslims across the world. People of all faiths and origins started wearing Keffiyeh as the latest fashion accessory. Mass production of Keffiyehs by China gave a thriving boost to its use as a style accessory and a fashion gear.

However, regardless of Keffiyehs’ high demand in the fashion world, this Arabic headgear has an intense political significance. American clothing chain, Urban Outfitters, had to face huge controversy for introducing Keffiyeh in their clothing range. They gave a controversial label to this clothing article; ‘anti-war scarves’. This pushed Urban Outfitters into a complicated situation and eventually they had to pull the item to avoid any adverse consequences.

Keffiyeh is still considered as a style statement in United States, Europe, Canada and Australia. Regardless of its popularity in the fashion world and its continual use in The West one cannot deny the controversies attached to this Palestinian symbol. No doubt Keffiyeh is a chic trend for fashionistas, but the implications of promoting this symbolic statement can be multifaceted.