So ancient…yet so modern…

It seems like an eternal bother that we are always looking for what’s in. The moment I discover a particular trend that suits my life and style, it seems to go out of vogue. I remain, mostly, a fashion-lagger-behind. Until I discovered the Kaftan dress!

• History and honour draped in Kaftans

Throughout our journey as a race, there has been seldom a garment to remain so relevant, versatile and appealing. The ancient Mesopotamians revelled and sizzled in this gorgeous drape. The Persian poet Firdausi sung of the garment as an impenetrable war dress in the epic Shah name. Throughout the Middle East, tribe heads and Emirs gifted the dress as a sign of honour and trust. Sultans to shepherds, it seems, no one was innocent to the charm of the Kaftan dresses.

• A princess, a designer and an actress: a tale of haute fashion

1894. Alix of Hesse, granddaughter of Queen Victoria tied the royal knot with Russia’s Czar Nicolas II, in a Kaftan. The saga of victory for these Moroccan style dresses in Europe began on this royal note. Via the fashion forward experiments of Parisian ballet companies and Jazz flapper dressing, the garment became a chic statement against the contemporary structured silhouettes.

Yves Saint-Laurent and Elizabeth Taylor made this an absolute staple for all fashion-educated ladies living in both the sides of the Atlantic. The Vogue editor Diana Vreeland and The Beatles also did their part to popularise the Moroccan Kaftan Dress.

• Hippie mama to Boho Chic

Fashion moves in a curiously circular motion: what goes around comes around. What became a style beat up in the 1980s (worn by middle aged mothers, young in the swinging 60s) came around as a fresh breath of Boho Chic with Kate Moss’s breezy ensembles. Throughout 2012-13 runways and resort collections have been alive with this elusive attire.

• Demystifying the Kaftan

The basic, rather boxy and depending on the material, flowing silhouette is the core of all mystiques of Moroccan Style Kaftans. It gives us an effortless vibe while draping us with comfort and modesty. Drawstring, belts or sashes give another dimension to this bohemian dress – we mould our garment into our very own shape as we move. This air of sensuality with delectable modesty makes the dress so alluring, so enchanting. Also, the textile and accessorising versatility is practically endless, you can practically wear a Kaftan anywhere.

• A fitting drape for celebrating freedom

Christina Hendricks the epitome of voluptuous female form holds the Kaftan with high and fond regards. This made me think about the freedom the dress bestows. It makes one unapologetic about the real body shape and let body take the centre stage. That’s the real secret: from ancient to uber modern, we all want to feel beautiful, just as we are.

The author is an enthusiastic follower of fashion all over the world and shares those thoughts with maisondemarrakech.com.