Kaftan with Printed Elephant and Dori at Waist
Gentle hand-wash separately in cold water with a mild detergent. Avoid soaking. Iron on medium heat while slightly damp.
Description
Some silhouettes carry the ease of an unhurried afternoon, and this kaftan is precisely that kind of garment. Printed across its fall is the elephant, one of India's most enduring motifs, appearing in textile traditions from Rajasthan's block-print ateliers to the woven borders of the Deccan, always carrying a sense of auspicious weight and gentle grandeur. Here it is rendered through screen print onto viscose, a fabric that drapes with uncommon fluidity and breathes well in warm weather, making it a natural companion to India's long, luminous summers. The dori tie at the waist offers a rare thoughtfulness in kaftan dressing, allowing the wearer to define or release the silhouette entirely as mood dictates. Available in five considered colourways, from the sun-warmed depth of coral to the cool restraint of marina blue, each shade holds a different conversation with the print. This is a made-to-order piece, cut to your moment rather than a warehouse shelf. Wear it to a breezy lunch or a casual evening at a friend's home. Pair it with kolhapuri sandals and a single oxidised silver bangle to let the print remain the quiet centrepiece.
Complete your look
Hand-picked pieces that sing gently with this one.
Behind this piece
The elephant motif in Indian textile tradition carries centuries of weight. From the carved friezes of Mahabalipuram to the embroidered howdahs of Rajput courts, the elephant has long signalled auspiciousness, memory, and procession. Here, it is rendered in a printed repeat across fluid viscose, a fabric that echoes the drape of georgette without its formality. The dori at the waist borrows from the angrakha's sensibility, cinching without constraining. Available across five considered colourways, this kaftan sits at the meeting point of everyday ease and quietly intentional dressing.
How to style
In Coral or Super Pink, wear this kaftan with flat Kolhapuri chappals in tan leather and a single strand of oxidised silver. For an evening occasion, choose Marina Blue or River Blue, layer a fine chanderi dupatta over one shoulder, and finish with jhumkas in antique gold. Peppermint Green reads beautifully at a daytime gathering: pair it with block-printed cotton trousers underneath for a layered silhouette, and carry a bead-embroidered potli. The dori tie can be left loose or knotted, offering two distinct looks from a single garment.
Fabric & care
Viscose is a plant-derived regenerated fibre with a natural affinity for dye, which is why the printed colours here appear saturated and true. Hand-wash in cold water using a mild, pH-neutral detergent, keeping the garment submerged no longer than five minutes. Do not wring or twist; press the water out gently and dry flat in shade to prevent the fabric from stretching along the grain. Iron on a low setting while slightly damp, using a pressing cloth to protect the printed surface. Store folded, not hung, to preserve the kaftan's shape over time.
More from ethnic dresses
Reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share your thoughts.
From the Journal
Stories about the craft, the loom, and the wearing of a piece like this one.
