ROYL Fashion Files

Double Silk Caftan

Streamlined and sophisticated, ROYL’s double silk caftan is the epitome of ease. Our brand’s take on the caftan breathes new life into the centuries-old garment, creating a sumptuous and uncomplicated addition to your wardrobe. Sparing no details in luxury and craftsmanship, it is the perfect one-piece to transition from day into night, apt for the office or for entertaining in the evening. We designed our caftan to be synonymous with the garmet’s intended function -- one of comfort and utility -- while modern alterations such as pockets add to the posture and pleasure of wearing the ROYL caftan.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CAFTAN

Caftans (kaftans) have been donned by both women and men around the world for thousands of years. The garment style is thought to have originated in ancient Mesopotamia but the uses and styles of the caftan varied by culture throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Eventually the design made its way west, by way of a small number of travelers who would return home with these often elaborate and exotic apparels. Centuries later, the caftan would catch the eye of famed designers, such as French couturier Christian Dior and British fashion designer Thea Porter, whose modern interpretations would aid in universalizing the storied garment.

What began as a more efficient version of a robe or tunic, the caftan has become a hallmark of a well-traveled lifestyle, capturing the likes of twenty-first century icons: Beyonce is often spotted vacationing in bold, breezy caftans; Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen revisioned the caftan with a modern drama; bohemian trend-setter Rachel Zoe loved the caftan so much she developed her own collection; and Talitha Getty of style-fame is often remembered jet-setting around in Marrakesh in the 1960’s wearing the native and effortless design.

ROYL is in good company with other renowned designers who have made the caftan a signature staple among their collections: Indian-American designer Naeem Khan, known for his glamorous evening wear; Pippa Holt, for her unique hand-crafted artisanal kaftans; Melissa Odabash for owning the beach and poolside kaftan; Oscar de la Renta for his occasion caftans; La Double J, famed for their playful printed kaftans; and high-end Italian fashion house, Missoni, for their distinctive knit kaftan offerings.