Caftans for a Cause…

….or just because.   The Trend that began in the 60’s has transcended time.

I still need an excuse to wear a caftan out in public.  Before coming to Palm Springs I viewed them only as chic bathing suit cover-ups.  And some of them are. But they’re so much more… not exactly a dress, or a shirt, or a nightgown…just a longer piece of fabric more resembling a tunic or robe that I always thought looked elegant – on the right person.  Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren looked so regal wearing one…especially while lounging on a yacht on the Italian Riviera with a cocktail in hand.  They’re perfect for poolside in Palm Springs  while sipping champagne.

History:
The caftan (or Kaftan) originated in ancient Mesopotamia, an area that encompasses parts of modern day Iraq, Syria, Iran and Turkey.   For many centuries, caftans were the traditional mode of dress in Turkey, where men and women (kings and beggars alike) considered it an appropriate clothing choice. I bought one in Cairo. Fabrics range from lightweight textiles for the summer months to richer velvets and brocades. Traditionally made with silk or cotton, caftans are frequently adorned with colorful patterns, and many individuals wear them with a coordinating belt or sash. 

During Modernism Week I attended an event to benefit Animals in need at The Caliente Tropics hotel.  We were asked to show up wearing a caftan and to donate an unopened bag of dog food for “Animal Samaritans.”  Caftan/Jewelry/Accessory vendors were set up in the lobby of the hotel.  I brought Layla & Adele.

Some of the “Mrs. Ropers” it’s a thing showed up wearing wigs and caftans. Most people ended up congregating to “Sancho’s” Mexican restaurant in the hotel with two DJ’s playing loud music, but we ended up at the much quieter little “Reef” Tiki Bar with a view of the beautiful pool area.  I ordered the Palm Springs Punch which was deliciously refreshing and as pretty as any caftan.

A bit about Caftans…

Caftans were never my thing.  That’s probably because I grew up in cold-wintered Montreal and later moved to Vancouver where no one (I repeat; no one) wears one.  Even in Palm Springs where they’re the norm for many, I resisted wearing one for years. But I could resist no longer after a friend opened up her home for a caftan sale and I could finally see what the fuss was all about.  They’re comfortable, silky luxurious and the perfect cover-up for the pool, the spa or to meet a friend for lunch.  Plus they’re not all floor length which tend to swallow up those of us who are not very tall.  They come in various lengths.  I prefer the knee-length variety but I also like the long flowy silk tops – to be worn with straight leg pants or a skirt.  They’re so easy to throw on after a shower!

More about Caftans:

Legend has it that Diana Vreeland once pegged the caftan as “fashionable for the beautiful people.”  Bazaar magazine wrote that the voluminous shape and heavily printed nature might render it unappealing, but it’s often plunging neckline and side slit detail lend just the right wink.

Done right, a loose-fitting cotton tunic can look enviously chic.

No one loves a caftan more than celebrity stylist/designer/editor  Rachel Zoe. This silhouette is one of her all-time favorite things to wear as soon as the temperature goes above 60 degrees.  She said “To me, caftans are one of the most versatile pieces of clothing, meaning you can wear it from the beach to a barbeque to a cocktail party to a black tie event. Caftans are timeless and I never leave home without a few when I’m traveling because you never know where you’re going to end up and need a caftan!”

How do you accessorize?

Jewelry should not compete with any other embellishment on your outfit  especially if you’ve got tassels or beading going on. Keep it simple.  And if you’re at the beach, your swimsuit should be accessory enough.  No belt required.

Shoes?  If it’s long or floor-length you can wear an open-toe heel and shorter styles can go with flats or sandals.  I suggest going barefoot for either.

KELLY WEARS A CAFTAN:

Check out this PROMO of PALM SPRINGS with Kelly Ripa from the ABC morning talk show Live! with Kelly and Mark.  They were filming in Rancho Mirage and opened the show with this clip about the place I now call my winter home. 

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Photos: d. king