Versatile, easy and steeped in history, the kaftan is proving a hit with customers on luxury fashion e-commerce sites. Haya Abdulsalam for Vogue Arabia, January 2020. Photo: Gianluca Fontana They spell it with a C in some parts of the Middle East and usually with a K in the West.
But luxury fashion e-commerce businesses aren’t too worried about the spelling. The kaftan, or caftan, is turning into one of the most reliable bestsellers on their websites. At Cannes Film Festival this year, a highlight look was the billowing white low-necked kaftan dress, from Gucci’s Resort 2025 collection worn by American actress Elle Fanning.
Meanwhile, Net-a-Porter reports an increase in searches for beach kaftans of 54 per cent over the last three months — and an overall significant increase of 400 per cent for kaftan dresses in the last month. Elle Fanning at the Cannes Film Festival in May. Photo: Getty Marrakech has hosted its own Caftan Week since 1996, organised by Moroccan magazine Femmes Du Maroc .
The latest week, held 9-12 May, was attended by Arabic music star Wael Jassar and renowned Moroccan singer Bassma Boussel. The Moroccan kaftan is special — “distinguished by its intricate embroidery, luxurious fabrics, and detailed craftsmanship”, according to Ichrak Moubsit, director of publications at Femmes Du Maroc . “Traditionally worn during special occasions such as weddings and religious celebrations, it symbolises Moroccan elegance and sophistication.
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