The Kaftan Story
What is it?
Thousands of years ago, a variant of the tunic/robe known as the Kaftan was created and has been worn by several cultures from across the world. The Kaftan served as a symbol of royalty given its grandeur in some cultures, while also being considered regular wear in other cultures for its breathable and comfortable nature. Offering modesty and glamour proved popular across the world and the Kaftan has been rediscovered time and again in a variety of forms. (It can fall to the hips or the ankles.)
Where exactly did it come from?
The kaftan is believed to be of Mesopotamian origin, (Present day regions of Turkey, Syria, and Iraq).It has since spread across the world to include varieties which are regionally specific with versions represented during the Ottoman Empire, from Western Africa, Middle Eastern, Persian, South East Asian, Jewish and Russian to name a few.
Are there any popular cultural references of a Kaftan?
Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, Grace Kelly,Catherine-Zeta Jones, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, Oprah Winfrey and the Olsen Twins are just a few of the celebrities seen in Pop cultures adorning the gracious kaftan.
What’s cool and new?
Newer fabrics, styles, applications and women’s appreciation of the uniqueness of the garment all make for a cool comeback of the Kaftan!
How we were born
The Kaftan Company was founded in 2016, at a time when too many brands were flooding the market, wooing customers with unbelievable offers. We wanted to own a space away from the chaos, shaping The Kaftan Company into a brand that is not only vibrant, but one that the wearer aspires to own. A wearer that is independent thinking, free-spirited and seeking something fresh.
This is also why we create our prints digitally. Stepping away from age-old printing methods helps us save water, dyes, and even fuel. It also makes us stand apart and choose more sustainable ways of doing everything we can. We are also a virtually zero waste generating fashion brand. With fair and ethical production practices, we support the artisans practicing traditional craftsmanship using
natural fabrics.
Our philosophy
“It was not easy to step away from the mainstream, especially when we were one of the first companies to introduce kaftans. But I realised that what we wear is never about seasonal trends. Our apparel reflects what we are from within. It is the confidence with which we accept who we are - birthing from the freedom to think and act independently. At The Kaftan Company, this is what we aspire to create. We move people. We ignite a passion. We inspire a choice to live free.”
– Prakruti Gupta Rao, Co-Founder
“Everything we do at The Kaftan Company is centred around the customer. Their joy is paramount
and their experience comes first. We do our best to service each customer, we’d love to have them for a lifetime.”
- Navin Rao, Co-founder
Brand for tomorrow
Style knows no geographies. Neither do fits and forms. There is an apparel for everyone, no matter which part of the world they belong to. At The Kaftan Company, we borrow from the past, and create a future where everyone can live free. We’re boldly stepping into a tomorrow, where we will shine as a global brand.
