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Get a new ethnic look - 5 ways Kaftan designs have changed

In West Africa, the Kaftan is very popular and worn at various occasions including marriage ceremonies, funerals and parties.

 

1. It has more style options: Kaftans used to be something similar to a court robe with no flair or as i like to say with a “va va voom” to it.  A long sleeved long robe that went all the way to the ankle and was normally made out of Batik. How boring was that? All of that has changed now.

2. Not for a select few: Kaftans were associated with Islamic cultures but now people all over the world despite their cultural association wear it. Different cultures have different forms of the Kaftan. In France or in any Francophone country in West Africa, say, “Bou bou.” Ivoirians for instance are known to be the “masters” in making elaborate Kaftan designs which vastly caught the eye of neighbouring countries.

3. Go anywhere in Kaftan: In West Africa, the Kaftan is very popular and worn at various occasions including marriage ceremonies, funerals and parties. In Ghana it is even an acceptable national/official wear.  In Western fashion, some designers have adopted lavish Moroccan style Kaftans and market them as hostess gowns for casual at home entertaining.

4. His or Hers: In Ghana, many local designers have over the years produced varied forms of the Kaftan for both men and women and not only as long robes but tunics as well. His and hers collections of the Kaftan have become increasingly popular to be worn at traditional marriage ceremonies and tend to be of high demand this season.

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5. Get a custom designs: Some local designers provide custom order services for special occasions or sample designs for people who are clueless on which Kaftan to wear where. Fabrics used for Kaftan are usually carefully chosen to provide comfort and may be made from silk, soft linen, polished cotton, etc. Lavishly decorated Kaftans are created using vivid colours, patterns, accessories such as buttons, beads, stones and the like. One is bound to feel like royalty in a Kaftan.

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