When is a Kaftan not a Kaftan?
21 October 2007
The centre piece of Sequins & Sand is the humble Kaftan. The whole business idea grew from a conversation 12 months ago to this day, when Pip mentioned that she wanted to bring in some kaftans.
Well, quite a few coffees later and a couple of ice creams to placate fidgety two year olds, our concept was conceived.
When putting the range together, my dad, back fresh from a summer holiday in Greece said "Make sure you sell some Toga's honey". Toga's? He's Italian by birth but really...Dad...togas! Was Dad mad?!
But far from mad is my Dad and it just kept niggling at me. He's pretty cluey and has great vision but sometimes, when Italians try to convert their thoughts into English, some things get lost in translation. So what exactly did he mean by 'toga'? I had visions of Roman baths and debauchery. Not my Dad! There must be more to it.
Then my brother-in-law with genuine interest what I was doing said "so what exactly IS a kaftan?" that really got me thinking...accounting for the bloke factor, he's of Egyptian origin!
So perhaps this is not an isolated phenomenon. Do we need to go back to basics and define what a kaftan is, particularly if we are going to drop it in all our marketing and throughout the website.
Traditionally, Kaftans are a full-length, free flowing garment with elbow-length or long sleeves...mmmmm.
It's a standard dress in many parts of Africa and the Middle East, and they are becoming increasingly popular in the western world. Different parts of the world make them out of different fabrics and details. They are also known as jalabiya, caftans and muumuus. Not to be confused with a Kurta which is typically an A-line Indian tunic worn over pants. Confused?
Around for centuries in the middle east it seems that over time, and particularly in recent years, the western fashion world has taken on the term with great zest and zeal and in it's translation refers to literally anything that you throw on over swimwear!
From our point of view, kaftans (Barbados and TPWS) are loose fitting garments that are very simple in design, very versatile and just perfect for hot summers. Some of ours have the option of bringing them in for a more fitted look (Casablanca, Araminta, and Marcella). Tunics, are more fitted (see Amanda, Amelia & Lilly).
"So Dad, describe for me your 'togas' – what exactly do they look like?"
"A short dress with long sleeves and ties. I've seen them in all sorts of bright colours with stitching down the front. They look good."
Onya Dad! You were right on the money once again.
So when is a Kaftan not a Kaftan? When it's a Toga of course!
Soak up summer and enjoy your kaftans/togas/muumuus/jalabiyas...whatever you choose to call them. Women (and men) from all over the world have been for doing so for centuries, so there must be something it in. Any clearer?
Ciao bellas!
Anita (standing in for Holiday Girl who's elsewhere...in her toga).
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