I Kaftan ‘can’…
Being inspired by an advert I spotted in my latest Vogue magazine (get me now..) it set me off in a whirl of thoughts and memories. The boldness of the design and style was a ‘flashback’ to the days when fashion was extremely ‘daring’ (not saying it isn’t now) in which you certainly didn’t hide your light under any bushel. What was it that started this ‘fashion’ thought process? Well it was a striking outfit featured in a Fendi advert and it reminded me of those items that no-one appears to wear – relevant to a certain time and place = a Kaftan! Or am I wrong? I immediately started to dig through my archive (which mainly contains the whole set of Golden Hands encyclopaedia’s, plus numerous other magazines, books & patterns).
the Fendi advert and an image from my archive…loving the hood, looks comfortable & chic
The first kaftan I found was the very ‘trendy’ looking number above, with its hood, blanket stitch and no sleeves it certainly appears very forward looking, in fact wish I could wear one now. The kaftan was very comfortable, convenient and suited many styles. Casual, formal (ish!), chic, ‘happening’, it was…’groovy’ and an item that could make a statement as well as providing the comfort of wearing at home and then maybe going out later, It contains an air of ‘mystery’ and is not I guess easily defined. Yes you could say it was of its time, the 1960’s flower power and hippiedom, the hypnotic music, colours, swirling patterns, lights, dreaminess and intensity. You only have to look at my title pictures above to get my drift.
2 kaftans a la Golden Hands…I’m going no where except to work out how I make one?
But where does that leave me now? Hmmm….looking for more examples like pictured above, two contrasting colours with an intricate and interesting application of embroidery for maximum impact not for the shrinking violet. So I would have to say I’d welcome the return of the kaftan but is it actually ‘happening’? Or is this all just in my dreams? Either way I’m enjoying this fabulous fashion flashback to a time of my childhood and the feelings invoked. I’m just ‘hearing’ the Velvet Underground in my mind now…it was free, flowing & fearless that I love.