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Article: Who invented the kaftan?

Who invented the kaftan?
cotton

Who invented the kaftan?

Hudson-Kaftan_striped_pockets_v-neck_cotton_turkisy_cream_brown_grey_dress

Hudson Kaftan

The Kaftan can be described as any loose fitting robe, tunic or dress and is believed to have originated in Mesopotamia. It was considered a sign of status and wealth and was made from materials like cotton and silk.  The kaftan was originally worn in hot climates, and because of the loose fit, it provided much needed ventilation. 

The kaftan continues to make an appearance in our fashion scene.  In the 19th century, the well travelled brought kaftans back from their journeys as oriental and Turkish interiors were in vogue.

In the 50's and 60's, designers like Balenciaga and Christian Dior designed their versions of the kaftan and in the 70's, Halston followed suit.  In 1966, Vogue described the kaftan as "the essential garment for the jet set because leisure and repose emanate from them."

I love a kaftan because you can dress them up or down, wear them from the beach to dinner or just lounge in them.  Here are a few of our favorites available at KMM Collective.  Keep scrolling to see how the jet set wore them and also check out these articles to see more images and learn more:

How The Kaftan Went Global

Caftan Liberation: How an ancient fashion set modern women free

New-York_caftan_v-neck_grey_strip_monochromatic_pockets_Turkish_cotton_front_small

New York Kaftan

Emmie-Kaftan_dress_cotton_maxi

Emmie Kaftan

Etta_ginko_indigo_floral_patterned_kimono_modal_front_small

Etta Kimono/Kaftan

Tribeca-Kaftan_dress_v-neck_pockets_grey_stripe_red_cotton_Turkish

Tribeca Kaftan

Willow-Dress_tiered_ruffled_loose-fitting_v-neck_maxi_floral_kaftan_block-printed_handmade

Willow Dress

willow-kaftan_dress_floral_block-printed_handmade

Lena Kaftan

Ashley Olsen_kaftan_dress_red

Ashley Olsen

Yves-Saint-Laurent_fashion-Designer_morocco_kaftan

Yves Saint Laurent in Morocco

Kate-Blanchette_actress_turquoise_kaftan_dress

Cate Blanchett

Queen Noor of Jordan

Lee-Radzwill_kaftan_

Lee Radzwill

Aretha Franklin

You're not in style if you don't have a kaftan in your closet!

 

 

 

 

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