What is a caftan or kaftan?
According to www.Wisegeek.com, “A kaftan is a long flowing garment that has long sleeves, and is ankle length. The kaftan in original form was made of either silk or cotton and usually worn with a belt or sash around the waist… Sleeves may be either long or elbow length.”
I’ve always had a love affair with the caftan, with each season, I buy different versions of it. Some are inexpensive (tunics and caftans I bought in Bangkok, Souk at The Ramp, Nullah) and some designer brands too. I wear them in the city, at home, and at the beach. They are versatile and figure-flattering. It’s a must for the tropics!
During my recent trip to the beach, I packed mostly caftans for my resortwear. They are stylish and super comfy!
Wearing a caftan, for me, conjures memories of the 60’s and 70’s icons living the glamorous beach life.
Caftan icons:
Talitha Getty and Elizabeth Taylor
“I own one for a little pool-side fashion, but if you watch the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills you know they are totally acceptable as “real” fashion too!” – Nina Garcia, taken from her book, Nina Garcia’s The One Hundred
Marisa Berenson and Lee Radziwill
Even designer Yves Saint Laurent wore a caftan. So chic. He also created dreamy caftans for couture.
Peg: Mary Kate Olsen
MK is totally punk! I love her style! She rocks the caftan like no other.
Who is the Queen of Caftans?
In my opinion, Josie Natori rules the classic cover-ups. Her collection oozes with luxury and femininity but still cool.
Check out what I spotted at Rustan’s, Makati:
Josie Natori
I went a little nuts when Josie Natori opened a bigger store in Rustan’s. I’ve been wanting to get one of her caftans for the longest time and now that it’s available here, I didn’t think twice.
Luxury loungewear
Josie Natori caftans are quite pricey, but you’re paying for quality. The one I got has hand-sewn beads on the collar. It’s the black and white one that I wore during the Century Tuna Superbods event in Boracay. It’s beautiful. I got lots of complements from it. I want to wear it again in the city, but this time I want to pair it with my Topshop disco wedge.
I’m a “Josie” girl. (L) N by Natori printed tunic; silk black and white caftan by Josie Natori
I hope one day my daughter Aryanna will get to wear my Josie Natori caftan para naman sulit! Haha!
Beautiful hand-embroidery!
From beach to boardroom
The not-so-basics
Luxe sleepwear
Josie Natori’s pajamas are love. Pajama style dressing is so now. I reserved a pair in Rustan’s (can someone please tell my husband I want this as PART of his anniversary gift! LOL). I’m thinking of sporting it to an event. Yes, Josie Natori pajamas… with heels… very, very high heels. Let’s see…
Beach essentials
I could live here
Lakas lang maka “Doña” ng caftan! Haha!
Rock the caftan:
On the Beach
•Feeling conscious of your lady lumps? Wear it over swimwear.
•Short tunic styles are great on the beach to show your gams. Wear them cinched at the waist for an hourglass figure. Long sleeved ones with low V-necks work best for bigger busted women. It’s the best style to disguise flabby arms, otherwise exposed to the sun.
Day or Evening Wear
•Wear a caftan top in the city paired with white skinny jeans and leather belt.
•For evenings, long flowing caftan gowns, but avoid voluminous loose tents which may drown the figure. Choose ones with drawstrings, garter on waist or in the back or wear it with a belt.
Accessorize it!
•Dress up your caftan with belts and necklaces.
•Pile on bangles!
•Go big and bold with statement earrings.
•Pair it with flat bejeweled or tie-up sandals or chunky wedge heels to balance out the volume.
•Put on oversized sunglasses and/or a floppy wide-brimmed hat.
Josie Natori is available at Rustan’s Department Stores
Comments 3
Winner ka Captain Jenni!! <3
Cute! I remember my first caftan many years ago. I bought it from Cath Kidston, and I wore it at home all the time. I finally had to put it to rest.
I love tunics, super comfy and figure friendly esp. for skinny people like me. Haven’t tried on a caftan yet but my mom loves them too! 😉