Are kaftans cool again?
In our opinion Kaftans were never not cool! We're in the camp of "if you love it and it makes you feel goods - it's in fashion". But never the less we love that the Kaftan is having its moment in the limelight. Read what Vogue UK had to say about the Kaftan this Summer....
"Formidable fashion editor Diana Vreeland once described kaftans as “fashion for the beautiful people”, and for a long time that is exactly who this dress serviced. In Hollywood’s golden era, there was nothing more gilded than being swathed in meters of molten satin or silk. Elizabeth Taylor had it down to a fine art: as the kaftan’s greatest ambassador, the starlet put the fashion piece on the map as the dress of choice for the rich and famous.
Elizabeth Taylor, Getty Images
The epitome of glamour, the kaftan became an essential garment for the jet set for luxuriously languid leisure time. However, as fashion shifted with the social and political landscape, the kaftan’s loose and breezy style was replaced. Shift dresses dominated in the ’60s, mini dresses in the ’70s and ’80s, and by the time the ’90s and Noughties rolled around, the focus on the body was so great that the idea of the kaftan was almost entirely obsolete in everyday dressing.
Where cutouts and bodycon styles reigned supreme, the kaftan was relegated to resort wear – only being worn as part of a holiday wardrobe. Kaftans were knocked off their pedestal – until now, that is. Thanks to the industry’s return to looser silhouettes and its continued obsession with quiet luxury, a more relaxed way of dressing has re-entered the frame, bringing kaftans back into fashion’s inner circle."
Rihanna (source)
Rachel Zoe (source)
“Championed by the likes of Sofia Richie and Zoë Kravitz, quiet luxury remains at the forefront of everyone’s minds this year, which has allowed modest dressing to come into its own,” explains Libby Page, market director at Net-a-Porter. “Kaftans are seeing a resurgence at Net-a-Porter, with searches for the style up 74 per cent year-on-year.”
A huge part of the kaftan’s renaissance has been the brands that are giving the silhouette its time in the spotlight – Italian label Taller Marmo is one such example. Founders Riccardo Audisio and Yago Goicoechea, who met at the Istituto Marangoni in Milan, have spearheaded the kaftan’s revival, having made a name for themselves with their maximalist yet modest designs. Directional dressers have fallen hard for the duo’s signature feather flourishes and fringing, which come in an array of vibrant colourways.
According to Page, Taller Marmo is among one of the top-searched brands for kaftans at Net-a-Porter, alongside Zimmermann, Oscar de la Renta and Huishan Zhang. “These designers are paving the way in reinventing the classic shape, and radiating elegance whilst doing so”, she says.
One of the kaftan’s biggest selling points? Its inherent size-inclusivity. The nature of the silhouette means that a wide range of bodies are able to enjoy the loose-fitting style. Having seen a gap in the market, and an easy to way to dress a diverse range of body shapes and sizes, Lebanese designer Dima Ayad launched her eponymous line specializing in kaftans. Earlier this year, the brand was picked up by Net-a-Porter, marking the first time the global platform has stocked garments up to a size 4XL.
The beauty of the kaftan lies in its versatility. While there is no escaping its holiday-ready allure, brands such as Rixo, Zara and H&M are proving that the kaftan dress has just as much a place in the city as it does at the beach.
Taste-maker and self-proclaimed kaftan fan, Bettina Looney, weighs in on the dress’s universal appeal: “One item in my wardrobe that I can always rely on is a kaftan dress,” she says. “The level of comfort is unparalleled and I love how versatile they can be. They have an unspoken effortless elegance to them and can easily be transformed from day to night, just by adding some fun accessories.” Her favorite seasonal styles come courtesy of Asceno, Louisa Parris, Asma Almazroi and Waad Designs.
The trick to creating a great kaftan look is wearing it with confidence. Pile yours high with statement jewellery and add strappy sandals for an evening in the city and with pared-back rattan accessories for a day at the beach. Either way, rest assured that the kaftan will carry you through the summer season and beyond."
Read the full article HERE
Excerpts from Vogue India Article written by BILLIE BHATIA
At Drinking Dresses we have a Kaftan crush that is has been going on decades now! Our current favorites include:
Our stunning Gigi Kaftan which is ready for luxurious lounging whether it be beachside, pool side, or couch-side! Loose, casual fit is perfect for many body types and maxi length is ideal for dressing up or down. It comes in a variety of prints all hand painted in Thailand.
Our flowing Agnus kaftan features a flattering v-neck line with piping around the neck and sleeves. It is 100% cotton with a seersucker texture.
Simple flowing sleeves and bodice makes this an easy silhouette for all to wear.
The Kakee is our Kaftan made in honor of our Great Grandmother Kathrine aka Kakee. This silhouette offers full coverage while still free flowing and fun. This silhouette features a flattering v-neck and elbow length sleeves. And of course, pockets included!
