I may have finally figured out what bit of fashion excites me now (Day 73 of Coronavirus House Arrest). Athleisure—be it comfy sweats or Yogawear—has never been more than utilitarian, not a fashion choice for me. I want to get excited about something, but I can't foresee a time when I may actually be wearing a dress.
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| Jacqueline Bisset—timeless |
What garment holds a bit of mystery, creativity, and comfort all in one? A caftan (or kaftan) was originally an ankle length garment with flowing sleeves worn by men and women in the Middle East. The style is thought to have originated in Ancient Mesopotamia. Kaftan is a Persian word. Similar styles of dress are the djellaba, abaya and burnouse, but in the West, "caftan" is generally used for all.
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| illustration by Diyali Sen Bhalla |
Once an exotic souvenir brought back by intrepid 19th century world travelers, the caftan came into its own in the 1950s and '60s when it was adapted by French high fashion. Dior and Balenciaga showed versions as loose-fitting evening gowns or a caftan worn as a robe over matching pants. It became the jet-setter's style-du-jour, popularized by everyone from Talitha Getty to Elizabeth Taylor.
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| Talitha Getty |
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| Liz—no last name needed |
My clothing need of the moment is something to wear around the house while not gardening, cleaning, sorting or cooking. Something that will look as if I meant to put it on if the doorbell rings. I know it's only Amazon, but still, we dress to impress. Something that will play with my love of fashion during this stressful time, something a little "Let's pretend" and a little out of my comfort zone (while being way so comfortable).
It's a nice look to try out/try on. Besides a long kimono that I converted by sewing together the front, I just purchased this caftan from "& Other Stories" (one of the H&M brands). It's a nice mix of linen and cotton, so not too flimsy. It does, however, run huge.
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| On sale @$49 |
I'm not sure if I'm about to hit the street in a caftan.
My front porch with a cup of coffee might be as far as I dare travel.
I am thrilled to see caftans coming back into style. I've been feeling the urge to go full Mrs. Roper!
ReplyDeleteDo it! Once again, Style often originates from the street. : > )
DeleteI came back from a holiday in North Africa at some point in the '60's with a blue kaftan with white embroidery around the neckline. I loved it and it was great for lounging about in, but I think you need to have servants because it is a hopeless item of clothing in which to do anything practical! (Great for a beach holiday, but when am I going to manage one of those?!)
ReplyDeleteI can see how that caftan made it back as a souvenir. I've dome similar myself with peasant blouses, handmade sandals and clunky bracelets. Sooooo practical... In lieu of a beach holiday, then, how about more lounging? Thank you for writing!
DeleteI can get excited about bringing back a caftan. I agree that it's not for anything practical, but as my dress-up occasions are more infrequent now, I'm getting really of athleisure and even jeans. Or maybe I just need a change -- anyhow, a caftan is now on the horizon. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGrreat share
ReplyDelete