Caftan silhouettes
Diala Aschkar, Art Director at Orient Palms, France

Caftan silhouettes

Revisited caftans invade the runway for an elegance emerging from the Mediterranean and the Orient. Some designers are inspired by the desert. Others by the tales of One Thousand and One Nights. And some want to reignite 1950’s Capri style which itself was inspired by the “other shores” of the Mediterranean.

As a Levantine myself, I relate to this trend, and I often see friends and family wearing a caftan, an abaya or a turban mixed with contemporary clothing. And the reason is not just pride in our heritage, but also aesthetics because the fluidity of the silhouette has a nobility of its own. This season, the ample proportions express summer ease and at the same time voluptuousness. Some additional elements accentuate the look like abayas, turbans, Turkish slippers, artisanat motifs or arabesque...

Maison Rabih Kayrouz’s discreet charm has a very modern flair with the deconstructed striped caftan below or the nonchalant simplicity of the grey one.

Trussardi’s monastic caftan shapes take us on a trip into the desert with the neutral hues, unfinished hems, and shirt-like robes.

The beige caftan below is interestingly flowy especially with its draped sleeves.

Antonio Berardi’s dress reinvents the Orient: a loose long shape with metallic beadings and embroidery under a short-sleeved abaya that looks very contemporary with its luminescent yellow color.

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Tory Burch’s deep yellow empire silhouette dress dazzles on the runway.

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These blue and white striped Tory Burch caftans have just enough embellishments - fringes or guipures - to look at the same time simple and alluring. Tory Burch’s collection seems inspired by both Mexican folklore and the Levant.

Alberta Ferretti’s arabesque knitted ample dress looks like it could be worn either by a queen or by a bedouin.

For Dolce & Gabbana it is all about the Mediterranean. The colors are vivid, the glamour is refreshing. A graceful one-shouldered caftan plays on Sophia Loren’s Dolce vita, while a shirt-like striped caftan with turban and flats reappropriates the oriental look in a charming way.

Naeem Khan’s luxurious designs have a royal air. Richly embroidered fabrics, opulent patterns, styles that would suit princesses.

Reem Acra’s collection recalls the tales of One Thousand and One Nights. The Lebanese designer based in New York finds creativity in her origins and glorifies her folkloric heritage in this collection that uses to the full oriental attire and accessories.

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Seductive diaphanous caftans reveal more than they conceal, with embroideries covering just the right spots.

I like how Fisico puts the Moroccan style at the service of a sexy modern fashionista. The looks are feline, with flowing fabrics and earthy colors.

Fisico’s dresses below are perfect for evening-wear, being bare, shinny and with plunging V-necks.