Dear Reader
The Kaftan is one of the world's oldest garments. Originating in ancient Mesopotamia and Persia (c.600 BC) the long loose an airy tunics was originally a practical lightweight garment designed to beat the heat, and served as a symbol of nobility and status.
Over millennia, it spread along global trade routes and evolved to become a symbol of power, high fashion, and everyday luxury across multiple empires. The Ottomans embraced the Kaftan primary garment. The robes were meticulously crafted from fine silk, velvet and gold.
The colours, patterns and buttons displayed the weaver's exact rank. Sultans also used them as diplomatic gifts to important dignitaries and generals. Originally reserved for royal court and elite, it became a cornerstone of Moroccan wedding ceremonies and traditional craftsmanship.
The Kaftan was embraced by Western hippies and travelers in the l960s and l970s who discovered them on the "hippy trail"across North Africa and India.
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From Dorothy Wordsworth May 31st 1802 in Westmorland
'We sat out all day.'
From William Allingham May 31st 1865 in Donegal
'Walk in the garden at midnight and her corncrake.'
From Thomas Hardy June 3rd 1865 in London
'Walked about by moonlight in the evening. Wondered what woman, if any, I should be thinking about in five years' time.'
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For You,
Everyman
My smile is for you.
Yes, you, the man on the omnibus,
You, the woman in the crowd,
You, the small child, playing in the dust,
You, the homeless, the tramp unbowed,
You, in business suit, you, in kaftan,
You, the tall, you, the short,
Yes, You, Everyman.
The exchanged smile
acknowledges shared humanity
in this fleeting recognition.
No words are needed.
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With very best wishes, Patricia
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