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2 years ago
Summer wardrobe, sorted
It’s the season for resort-wear, and at the top of the list is a jazzy kaftan. This summer staple is timeless, easy and gives major laidback luxury vibes. Below, we round up some of our favourites for 2023.
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A type of robe or tunic, kaftan have been worn for thousands of years. The origins of the kaftan have been traced to Asia, then made popular during the reign of Ottoman Empire, with various nations and cultures adopting the robe-meets-tunic over the years. There has since been numerous specific styles, uses and names for them (kaftan vs caftan) – but one thing’s for certain, the style has been well and truly embraced by the fashion set from the 60s onwards. They’ve been loved by the heroines of old Hollywood glamour (cue Sofia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor, and high society’s leading lady, Jackie O), with Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta and Emilio Pucci being the go-to houses for a summery kaftan.
Very Summer Fringed Crepe Kaftan, £1230
A kaftan but make it partywear, this one from fashion’s favourite Taller Marmo, has plenty of signature fringing and this ivory version cut from fluid crepe demonstrates this perfectly.
There are also plenty of colourful options too, if vibrant hues call to you in summer, and they’re available to rent from HURR Collective (from £139.14 for four days).
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Andrea Maxi Cobbler Paisley, £365
Ethically hand-stitched and hand-dyed in Bali, and made from 100 percent silk crinkle, this is a signature kaftan from London-based brand, Cleo Cassandro. It dons a timeless shape, with a band collar, delicate front buttons and flowing sleeves.
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Layla Kaftan Dress, £395
USISI·SISTER is brought to you by London-based sisters Kathryn and Millie Allsopp, and it’s a brand that’s all about sisterhood and sustainability. Their Layla kaftan is crafted from semi sheer textured cotton, and dons a retro lace up neck, and mid length sleeves in a burnt mellow yellow.
Three Graces London
August Crinkle Cotton Voile Kaftan, £210
For Founder of Three Graces, Catherine Johnson and her label, she wanted to focus on more environmentally friendly practices offering timeless and considered pieces that are produced in small quantities, “we’ve always been conscious of creating timeless garments – it’s always been our philosophy. By making our products as beautiful as we can, we’re hopefully making it easier for women to buy less but buy well-considered pieces that are made to last.” Romantic in nature, expect a gorgeous range of summer-worthy dresses, including this saffron yellow kaftan, that’s a rendition of their best-selling August kaftan.
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Rachel Mini Kaftan, £255.50
French designer Thierry Colson founded his namesake label in 2005, inspired by sharp tailoring, and delicate designs. His Rachel kaftan (available in mini and long), has been crafted from light linen cotton in a deep raspberry hue that’ll perfectly show off a tan.
Kaftan No.450, £659
Pippa Holt offers a whole host of kaftans, including this super cute midi kaftan in candy pink, and to make it even more special, it dons a white monogram at the front, so no one will be stealing your beloved PH kaftan. These items are made to order and are lovingly embroidered by Holt’s artisan partners. Shipping is within approximately one to three months of the order being placed.
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One Vintage
Zoe, Floral Yellow Embroidered Kimono (Size UK 10 or 12), £750
A one-of-a-kind kimono, this one is made from reworked embroidered silk, with a straight cut silhouette and straight wide sleeves. When it comes to detailing, there’s silk floral appliqué on the front, while at the back, there’s embroidered florals. A gorgeous cover up.
Stratos Kaftan, £450
Channel your inner creative with this artistic take on a kaftan with its cool pink and red expressionist print. The style features a hood, pockets and drawstring detail, and is made from lightweight 100 percent cotton fabric.
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Muzungu Sisters
India Kaftan Shibori Pink, £290
Handcrafted by artisans, this kaftan dons an A-line silhouette, retro-inspired bell sleeves, and a subtle V-neck. Made from organic cotton in Shibori Pink, its hand tied, and hand dyed by women from Khamar, India using the traditional Shibori tie-dye technique. A thoughtful process, each panel of fabric is hand-knotted, hand-dyed using chemical-free dye, and then dried in the shade, which takes about two weeks to complete – making each item unique.
Zigzag Kaftan, £770
A wardrobe stable, the Missoni’s infamous colourful zigzags never go out of fashion. This one is a pinky, slinky take on their usual short, oversized versions, with a deep V-neck line; finish off with the OTT Fuchsia Sandals Jewel Cleo sexy sandals by René Caovilla.
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Dora Embroidered Cotton Kaftan, £120
Former bikini model Melissa Odabash knows her swimwear and coverups, offering a glamorous take on the categories. This mid-thigh 100 percent cotton kaftan features a deep v-neckline that’s trimmed with hot pink embroidery, and features on the cuffs too.
Melissa Odabash
Cindy Navy Short Kaftan, £262
For those who like nautical navy, this loose-fitting cover-up has been designed to coordinate with the Odabash swimwear and accessories such as the Cap Ferrat tote in the same colour. It features a thin embroidered edging and subtle gold tone hardware.
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Mataro Striped Cotton-Poplin Kaftan, £1,050
A super sweet and colourful poplin-cotton kaftan from Mary Katrantzou, it’s inspired by the rainbow and the 60s. Just add a Greek beach in true Katrantzou style.
+ NET SUSTAIN Phoebe Oversized Checked O Kaftan, £271
A part of the + NET SUSTAIN line, this ankle-skimming kaftan is made from an organic cotton-blend, and features and white and light blue print.
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Linen-Blend Hooded Kaftan, £299
A cool hooded kaftan, by luxury destination wear, Lisa Marie Fernandez, it’s made from a linen blend, lightweight fabric, and features a drawstring hood along with slide slits. Team with a slider, a maxi Sensi Studio tote, and head to the pool.
La Vie Style House
Brocade Mini Caftan, £766
This kaftan brand is known for giving drama aplenty, there’s vibrant hues, subtle shades, and sequin varieties in long, midi, mini and oversized shapes, so there’s really something for everyone. This particularly gorgeous little one-size-fits-all number, the Brocade Mini Caftan, has been exclusively made for The Sil in pale blue and shimming gold. It’ll catch the summer sun beautifully.
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Penelope Silk Georgette Gown in Leopard, £246
Apart of the brand-new Hotel Extravaganza line, meet the leopard silk number, the Penelope gown. Totally versatile, wear this semi-sheer dress by the pool or dress it up with oversized jewellery and high, gold heels such as Aquazurra’s Wow Wedge.
Square Kaftan Palmetto Placée in Twill Silk, £890
Calling all maximalists, La DoubleJ has had a drop of new and beautifully dramatic kaftans, and this navy, red, and off-white pattered number is a real head turner. It’s crafted in Italy from 100 percent silk, is cut to an oversized silhouette, and features a removable sash. Think Elizabeth Taylor and Villa D’Este.
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Tropical Djellaba Embroidered Cotton Kaftan, £470
An oh-so-cool kaftan brought to you by Kilometre Paris (a company by Alexandra Senes – also the founder of Jalouse Magazine), it’s known for working with talented artisans in Mexico and India. A design exclusive to MATCHES, this one features palm trees – but there’s others including a bright orange leopard print version, and one this starfish; you’ll want them all.
Sunset Silk Ombre Poncho, £346
Technically a poncho, by luxury resort and beachwear brand, Juliet Dunn (be sure to check out her full range of summer dresses), as the name describes, it gives the perfect sunset vibes as the hand dyed orange merges into yellow, and pink on 100 percent silk.
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Grand Cayman Tie Side Kaftan, £159
Featuring a geometric pattern on 100 percent pale blue cotton, this little kaftan-meets-cover up has back ties for a comfortable, adjustable fit, and a shorter sleeve. What’s more, the style is in the sale, so add it to your basket while you can.
Cheeky Designed Silk Cotton Caftan, £295
Owned by Tina Davis, Cheeky Vintage, as the name suggests, specialises in all things vintage whether it’s genuine retro clothing and accessories, upcycled pieces, or clothing designed in-house that’s inspired by glamorous, bygone times; talking of which, cue this long-length silk-cotton kaftan that features a medley of pink, red, and orange flowers and soft ruffles.
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Kayla Lace Kaftan, £185
A sexy take on coverup, this Kayla Lace Kaftan by Ibiza brand Charo Ruiz feature an open deep v, side splits, and a delicate guipure lace trim. Team with these Tamara Mellon Solstice sandal in black.
Adire-Dyed Cotton-Blend Poplin Kaftan, £465
Make a statement with this maxi, oversized, and dramatically printed kaftan. British brand Anya Hindmarch has partnered with Lagos-founded Dye Labs, for a collection celebrating Nigerian culture, including this cobalt-blue kaftan. It’s been handmade from a cotton-blend using a traditional adire wax resist-dyeing technique.
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Margot Kaftan, £2,000
This summery orange kaftan comes with bundles of luxury detailing, from its draped silk silhouette to the hand-painted abstract floral design along the front and back. Perfect for sunnier climes and days on the beach.
Featured image: Anya Hindmarch x Dye Lab
