Get a head start on prepping your wardrobe for the Holy Month with Moda Operandi’s exclusive Ramadan caftan collection 2017 in collaboration with designer brands––including Christian Siriano, Marchesa, and Sandra Mansour––featuring elegant and ultra-festive silhouettes fit for a month-long stream of evening fêtes. The collection will be shown during a special trunkshow, starting today.
Siriano offers an array of fluid caftans with a focus on embellished details that trace the neckline and sleeves. “I wanted the sleeves to feel full and voluminous but still ethereal and soft. They are hand-cut petals that are appliquéd together with a light touch of feathers woven throughout. It’s classic, elegant, and feels old Hollywood chic,” Siriano tells Vogue Arabia.
Lebanese designer Sandra Mansour––who’s planning on expanding her line into bridal this year––produced a capsule collection for the luxury e-commerce boutique in addition to its Spring 2017 offering. Inspired by Maurice Bouchor’s poem La Fleur Des Eaux, wispy lace caftans, abayas and graphic gold moon motifs trace the collection, which works for multiple occasions during the Holy Month. Speaking about her styling strategy, Mansour notes: “Caftans are so versatile; you can wear one during the day on top of jeans with sneakers and then dress it up at night with silk-printed pants, a top, little heels, and you’re set.”
Sandra Mansour. Sketch courtesy of Sandra Mansour and Moda Operandi
For a touch of glamour, turn to Elizabeth Kennedy’s caftans. Flouncy ruffles and marabou feathers trace down the sides of billowing cuts. How to get the most use from your caftan during a month that’s filled with late night dinners and evening gatherings? “Pairing over-the-top jewelry and an evening clutch can take the caftan from day into evening effortlessly,” says Kennedy.
Meanwhile, Marchesa’s elaborate embroidery and ornate beadwork on flowing forms are the epitome of elegance. The New York-based caftan category delivers that same sense of charm and drama. “A woman has her own unique personal style, regardless of where she may be from. Of course, many regions and cultures have their own specific trends and traditions,” says co-founder Georgina Chapman.
Marchesa. Sketch courtesy of Marchesa and Moda Operandi
For an unexpected approach, Italy-based label Esme Vie by Russian designer Julia Voitenko proposes minimal shapes in a saturated pastel palette that are elevated with subtle trimmings. A bouquet of peonies adorns the shoulder of a fluttering number, while a pistachio green A-line alternative is peppered with budding 3D florals. Meanwhile, Figue’s lightweight creations are a go-to for the sweltering summer months. “Adding a fabulous belt is an easy way to change the look of a caftan,” remarks designer Stephanie von Watzdorf.
Oday Shakar also focuses on belts, cinching his jeweled-tone collection with bedazzled designs. “Belts are a great way to accessorize caftans. Use a leather belt to make it modern and wearable for the daytime. In contrast, a beaded belt will dress it up for the evening,” notes the Iraqi designer. Drawing on his mother, sisters, aunts, and the women he was surrounded by while growing up, Shakar muses: “They are all fabulous Middle Eastern women who inspired me to become a fashion designer.”
The Moda Operandi Ramadan caftan trunkshow starts today (February 6) and ends February 21.
