The 1970s Kaftan

The kaftan, introduced in the 1960s by the hippies and originating from other ethic groups like the western countries. They were a fashion phenomenon commonly worn in these hotter countries as loose flowing robes and then eventually made their way to around the world cities as mainstream fashion, in the next decade, with the help of designers like Yves St Laurent, launching them.

In the mid-70s these kaftans became more of a home style wear and provided comfort to the body. Although in the late-70s they diversed into becoming glamorous evening wear due to their causal-free style.

Although in modern day we may look at this picture and talk about how it is too old-fashioned, the kaftans were back on trend this summer 2014, used as over layers. However you could say the busy, retro prints for the common kaftan have died down decades on, as we wouldn't often see one quite as outgoing as the one in this image, in our everyday high street store today.