Chic Caftans Craze: Designers' Stylish Takes on a Cultural Stable

The ever-morphing trends that constitute fashion have taken a visibly dramatic turn within the last few months, as anyone with any exposure whatsoever to magazines, ads, or boutiques are bound to substantiate. The fashion radar has switched from pushing form-fitting outfits (so much so that top-selling numbers were borderline risqué) that left nothing much to the imagination, outlining and displaying every single attribute (and, as many of us are so familiar with, highlighting certain aspects better off not displayed...read: those excess inches) to embracing looser, more flowing styles. In the midst of those light-weight, airy, and altogether sweetly feminine shift dresses and bubble dresses emerges yet another mode of apparel to match the last few months' (and apparently ongoing) fashion-world rage - caftans. Previously perceived by the vast majority (with adequate reason) as loose-fitting flowing garments mainly associated with certain cultures, such as those of the Eastern Mediterranean, Egyptian, and even African regions, the international turn in style has thrust caftans into the fashion realm's spotlight and into a position of ever-increasing prominence for the fashion-oriented. These comfortably wispy and exquisite garments are now regarded as the up-and-coming panache of apparel. Consequently, a number of top designers have been springing onto the bandwagon and strenuously vying to gain a hold on this latest fashion basis. The results of their endeavors: beautifully and creatively designed garments of riveting materials, varying from the original model by way of slight alterations to be compatible with the designers' creativity. Even amidst all the variety of hues, textiles, and forms, these garments still retain a core traceable to the original inspiration - cultural caftans. The writer of this blog (moi, yours truly) is, admittedly, a gal who has always preferred more form-fitting apparel, such as those that correspond with couture and the likes, yet even so, this gal takes an immediate liking (okay, adoration) to the recent and haute fad of fashion-oriented caftans. Thanks to the designers who ran with the basic caftan, such as Elie Tahari, these ethnic garments have transformed into chic apparel with plenty of flair! High fashion brand Milly manages to create a breathtaking take on the caftan with this gorgeous periwinkle blue Mykonos tile print top. Made of luxurious and light-weight Italian silk, this Dominque Sheer Caftan is designed as a swimsuit cover-up, but looks equally beautiful paired on top of white shorts and an Aegean hued tank top. The subdued and relaxing pattern and hue is perfect for beach-goers and tropical vacations. ($330.00 - Saks Fifth Avenue) [No Photo] Earthy and warm in color, this Melissa Caftan designed by Elie Tahari is, with its beaded drawstring tie cinched empire waist and V-neck, an exemplary example of the ethnic garments' revival in the current fashion stream. This fluid silk chiffon caftan possesses an added flair by way of its side slits and flowing, open, elbow-length sleeves. Think tropical oasis! ($248.00 - Nordstroms - Sale: $98.00) ß Great Deal! Badgley Mischka is yet another designer to take a stab (thankfully!) at the caftan craze - producing a simple, yet elegant garment: Glitter Girl Caftan. This tunic style caftan is perfect as either a swimsuit cover-up or a top, or even a dress due to its mid-thigh length. Despite its chic full kimono sleeves, all shape is not lost (worry not!), thanks to the criss-cross beaded front tie that generously gathers at the waist, emphasizing hour-glass figures. Comfortable yet stylish. The shade is dark, which is fairly difficult to pull off during the day, but this is perfect for a casual evening. ($250.00 - Saks Fifth Avenue - Sale: $124.90) Another of Elie Tahari's gorgeous caftans caught this blogger's eyes as she flipped through a magazine, but unfortunately (despite much strenuous searching), she couldn't find a photo of it to post. However, the caftan was absolutely stunning in its whimsical and wispy silk chiffon dyed a breathtaking light yellow patterned with an artistic coral and faint pink design (courtesy of artist Kenny Scharf). Elie Tahari's Zena Caftan falls mid-thigh with short loose, kimono style sleeves. The V-neck of the caftan falls into a sensual empire waist gathered by a beaded tie falling down the front. The empire waist nicely contrasts the otherwise loose, unstructured form of the caftan. ($248 - 631-329-8883)