Kaftan No.129

Single panel 'Supermini' kaftan in white and light pink stripe with pink and burgundy motif.

Regular price $875

Working closely with Mexican artisans, Pippa Holt has created a range of kaftans using traditional techniques. Featuring a pastel pink and white striped cotton base with pink and burgundy handwoven motifs, Kaftan No.129 exudes feminine chic. Its simple, extra short style makes it a natural wardrobe staple and a versatile piece to wear during hot summer months. Cinch with a coordinating belt, or wear loose for effortless appeal.

The pink, burgundy tones are naturally and sustainably derived from the purpura patula pansa, a species of sea-snail, picked off the rocks on the coastline at low tide during the winter months. When the dyers squeeze or blow on the mollusks, they give off a foamy secretion which is rubbed onto a skein of cotton. Although it is initially colourless, contact with the air turns it yellow, green, and ultimately purple. The snails are put back on the rocks after this process, which explains why this resource has not been exhausted after so many centuries.

Pippa Holt's editorial background as a stylist at British Vogue, a degree in fashion design combined with her love of travel is very much evident in her collection. Growing up on the beaches of Australia, she was inspired by her grandmother's style of tropical dressing at her seaside holiday home on The Great Barrier Reef Stylist Pippa Holt launched her eponymous line of kaftans which celebrates her love of indigenous textiles, far-flung travel and beautiful, original attire after finding nothing to wear in the searing heat while living in Houston.

Pippa says: "I love the authenticity of these kaftans and how comfortable they are to wear. I call them my 'Holiday Heroes'. They pack small, work day and night on a beach, in a city, with or without a belt. They are incredibly versatile. These kaftans are light, practical and yet stylish and reminiscent of far flung shores. In many ways I was collaborating on a collection which recreated that sense of freedom of dressing that I had so adored in Australia. The colours were original and unique and filled me with so much joy.â

Each kaftan takes one month to make and four to five days to sew its panels. Due to the way they are hand-crafted, no two are the same. Pippa has collaborated with Felipa, a head weaver in a remote village in Mexico who has over 50 years of experience. Along with her daughter, Angelica and a group of artisans, they create one off pieces following age-old traditions.

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