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The Rise of The Festive Kaftan

Sonam Kapoor in Sabyasachi

Sonam Kapoor in Sabyasachi

Once synonymous with lazy days, beaches and lounging, the humble kaftan has now evolved into a dressy and occasion-appropriate look. The breezy, laidback silhouette which is known for its flowing unstitched sleeves and flattering cinched waist has been polished, spruced up, and refurnished with a fresh, festive makeover.

Masaba

Masaba

From Diwali to weddings, there is a rise in the number of women turning to this cool girl silhouette for celebratory looks. Add to that this year’s intimate nuptials mandate, and the kaftan further scores points for its fuss-free tendencies. This centuries-old Mesopotamian export is now being reimagined with an Indian twist. Its versatility makes it easy to pair with matching palazzos, skirts, cropped pants, or even wear just by itself in the right print and bling.

Payal Singhal

Payal Singhal

The summer staple has now become a season-less festive staple. As a result; silk, khadi, georgette and chiffon kaftans with a touch metallic embellishments work perfectly for occasions ranging from the mehendi and sangeet to festive parties.

Anamika Khanna

Anamika Khanna

Anamika Khanna has reinvented it with shorter sleeves and cape hybrids, pairing them with draped skirts for added drama. Rajdeep Ranawat’s flowy silk kaftan dresses in a rainbow of colours, featuring bandhani prints and mirror work with  floor-sweeping sleeves are having a moment. Sabysachi, too, has embraced the free-flowing garment with updated khadi and georgette kaftans featuring slits, floral prints and detailed embroidery. Payal Singhal has turned the silhouette into a kurta with palazzos and added tribal-inspired embroidery to floor-length variants.

Amrita Thakur

Amrita Thakur

Bollywood celebrities like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor, and Neha Dhupia are kaftan enthusiasts, and have done their bit to further its popularity. IMG_7881 Final copy

The simplicity and ease that a kaftan bestows upon its wearer is effortless, and that is exactly what fashion needs to be at this time. The bonus? You can tone down the jewellery when you wish to take the same kaftan from a baraat to the beach. The best of both worlds, indeed!

Shop Aashni + Co’s kaftan edit here