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How to wear a kaftan all summer long

— by Alyson Walsh

Photos by Dvora @fashionistable

Apart from chic, holiday markets in Ibiza, where do you find a good kaftan? Pippa Holt’s luxury cotton kaftans are lovely but pricey  – the equivalent of two return Easyjet flights to Athens (still no sign of Mr TNMA’s reading glasses). Ditto Dosa. For something more reasonably priced try Boden and East. This full-length linen number is by Cyprus-based label YUMEworld available via Etsy. Yume means to dream in Japanese and the kaftan/lifestyle brand was created by the design duo Candy Manioudaki and Constantinos Kyriacou. The former studied fashion in London and worked as a stylist and a fashion editor for Harper’s Bazaar and Madame Figaro magazines in Cyprus for 15 years before opening up a concept store. While Kyriacou is a jewellery designer who studied in Florence and has been commissioned by Yves Saint Laurent. Saint Laurent being one of the first fashion designers, along with Halston, to popularise the kaftan as ready-to-wear in the 1970s. 

At the Serpentine Pavilion. Photo: Dvora @fashionistable

Perfect for a London heatwave, I’ve been popularising the kaftan all summer. This ethically-produced style is called the JEFF, I’m wearing the ‘black olive’ version but it comes in several colours. Initially I was a bit concerned I’d look like I’d come out in my nightie, but the linen – sourced from Japan, Ireland and Hong Kong – is good quality and feels very substantial. Just add statement accessories to take the look away from the beach (a belt if it’s feeling too wafty) and think summer maxi not care in the community. My jewellery is from Claire Stratton, more of which coming soon. In the meantime, I’ve got my eye on the striped ANAIS. Could the kaftan be the new jumpsuit?

Thank you to the ever-so elegant Elizabeth The Vintage Contessa for introducing me to YUMEworld.

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Apart from chic, holiday markets in Ibiza, where do you find a good kaftan? Pippa Holt’s luxury cotton kaftans are lovely but pricey  – the equivalent of two return Easyjet flights to Ath…