Cardiff Met Edition: A day of Heritage, Memory & Identity

As the iconic Algerian Blousa journeys toward formal inscription on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, its story stretches far beyond aesthetic elegance.

Originating in the Oranie region in Western Algeria, this historic garment serves as a living archive of historical evolution, regional pride, and creative resistance.

Worn predominantly in the cities of Tlemcen, Oran, and Mostaganem, the blousa stands as a profound tool for sovereignty, cultural reclamation, and the rewriting of overlooked histories.

This curated showcase invites visitors to explore how indigenous fashion enters global institutions, tackling critical questions regarding cultural ownership, international diplomacy, and the preservation of material culture through colonial disruptions.

Join us at Cardiff Metropolitan University with fashion and design scholar Nada Koreish for in-depth discussion exploring the complex history and decolonisation of North African material culture.

The talk will dissect how the blousa survived colonial disruptions, its modern transformation, and what global protection means for the artisans keeping this heritage alive. Discover how fashion operates as a profound tool for sovereignty, cultural reclamation, and the rewriting of overlooked histories.

🎬 Including the screening of three short films curated by Lhara Films followed by a short debate/round table.

Ta Marbouta (2024) - 18 mins

Boualem Heard It all (2025) - 17 mins

This event is part of DzFets 2026 - The Fourth edition of the Algerian Festibal for Arts & Culture in the UK.

In collaboration with the University of Manchester & The Fashion Liberation Collective North Africa and Lhara Films

Photo by Bilal Boutaya

Description supplied by the event organiser.