Kaftan with Printed Elephants 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
Elephants carry centuries on their backs, and this kaftan asks them to carry colour with equal grace. Printed in bold, joyful motifs drawn from the long tradition of block and screen printing that has dressed India's festivals and streets alike, the design speaks in a vocabulary that needs no translation. The fabric is viscose, chosen for the way it falls, cool and fluid against the skin, generous in drape without demanding attention from the body beneath. A dori at the waist offers the gentlest suggestion of shape, allowing the silhouette to be gathered or left loose entirely, depending on the mood of the day. Made to order in four vivid colourways, from the deep contrast of black and red to the sunny optimism of green and yellow, each version carries a distinct character while sharing the same ease of spirit. This is a garment that travels well, from a slow morning at home to an afternoon in the bazaar. Wear it with flat kolhapuris and a single silver bangle, or layer a fine cotton dupatta over the shoulders for evenings that turn unexpectedly cool.
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Behind this piece
The elephant motif carries centuries of weight in Indian decorative arts, appearing across temple friezes, Kalamkari scrolls, and the woven borders of Chanderi and Maheshwari textiles. Here, that same iconography is reinterpreted in a contemporary printed silhouette, rendered on fluid viscose that echoes the drape of traditional mulmul. The dori at the waist borrows from the practical elegance of kurta closures found across Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Each colourway, from the drama of black and red to the festive warmth of green and yellow, recalls the regional palette of folk textile traditions.
How to style
For daywear, pair the blue and yellow colourway with flat Kolhapuri chappals and oxidised silver rings for an unhurried, grounded look. In the evening, the black and red kaftan earns its place at a rooftop gathering when worn with block-heeled mojris and a single statement neckpiece in uncut Polki. The red and yellow version, being the most celebratory of the four, layers beautifully beneath a sheer tissue dupatta for a festive lunch. Keep the dori tied loose for a relaxed silhouette, or cinched for shape.
Fabric & care
Viscose is a breathable, plant-derived fibre that rewards gentle handling. Hand wash in cold water using a mild, pH-neutral detergent; avoid soaking for longer than five minutes as viscose weakens when saturated. Do not wring. Instead, press the fabric between two dry towels to remove excess moisture. Dry flat in shade, away from direct sunlight, which can fade the printed motifs over time. Iron on a low setting while the garment is still slightly damp. Store folded, not hung, to prevent the fabric from stretching at the shoulders.
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