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Kaftan: A guide for beginners
The Jakarta Post met Khanaan Shamlan of Khanaan brand, and Novita Yunus of Batik Chic by Novita Yunus at the Galleries Lafayette department store, Wednesday. The two designers shared some tips for kaftan first-timers.
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Khanaan's collection. (JP/Jaanam Jaswani)
I
n recent years, many Indonesians have started to wear the kaftan, a type of Middle Eastern tunic. The kaftan has been an acceptable attire to wear for various occasions, including wedding receptions and Idul Fitri gatherings. However, because of its unique cut, some are still hesitant to wear a kaftan.
The Jakarta Post met Khanaan Shamlan of Khanaan brand, and Novita Yunus of Batik Chic by Novita Yunus at the Galleries Lafayette department store, Wednesday. The two designers shared some tips for kaftan first-timers.
(Read also: Dear women, here are 6 tricks for always looking elegant and classy)
The cut
Khanaan addressed the main reason why people are hesitant to wear a kaftan: the fear of disappearing in the cloth. The designer said for those with petite figures, look for a kaftan with a slimmer cut in its lower part and opt for a sleeveless model.
Incorporate your personal style
Just like picking other type of clothes, choose a kaftan that reflects your personal style. For example, if you're more feminine, opt for softer colors. For younger kaftan wearers, batik kaftans with bright colors may be more suitable.
Mix and match
Mix and match your kaftan with other complimenting clothing elements. For example, Novita wore earthy-red jumputan (tie-dye batik) pants to match her bright yellow kaftan. She explained “If [someone] were to wear black pants that could be seen as more formal.”
(Read also: 6 local quirky bag brands on the rise)
Accessorize
Novita marked the importance to pick accessories that go well with the look that you intend to create. She said layered accessories are good to create a hip, chic look, while a choker-styled necklace would create a more elegant look.
Material
As we live in the tropics, it's best to pick a kaftan made from comfortable, airy material. Avoid materials that will make you sweat too much as it would be uncomfortable. One of the airy material that Novita uses is Sengkang silk, a type of silk native to Makassar, Sulawesi.
Motifs and occasions
It is also important to pay attention to the motif, as well as the occasion when you decide to wear a kaftan. For formal occasions, wear a kaftan that is minimalist in motifs but accessorize glamorously. For more relaxed events, you can opt for a colorful kaftan and vibrant accessories. (asw)
