Four kaftan trends for your Ramadan and summer wardrobes

Courtesy of Symphony

Courtesy of Symphony

Courtesy of Symphony

Symphony has curated a comprehensive Ramadan range, featuring pieces by local designers, as well as exclusive collaborations with global fashion labels such as Antonio Berardi, Alexis Mabille and Mother of Pearl. The pieces were unveiled at the recent Tasyourah charity exhibition and are now available at The Dubai Mall boutique. Here are four ways to wear the new range:

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Embellished elegance

Embroidery and beadwork are essential elements of many Ramadan wardrobes. Dramatic sleeves and wide V-necks, complemented by brooch-like beadwork and embroidery, feature in Saudi designer Razan Alazzouni’s kaftan collection. The Bahraini brand Noon by Noor also combines refined silhouettes with beaded designs. “A key focus is the embellishment inspired by broken ice in a shard-like texture, using a mix of thread work and beading that degrades beautifully into the fabric,” explains designer Noor Al Khalifa. “The Noon by Noor woman embodies the essence of nonchalant chic. She is internationally minded, sophisticated and not afraid of taking risks with her wardrobe, while staying true to her own individual style.”

Beautiful bohemia

“I design clothes for those who surround me: strong, intelligent women who like to have fun with fashion,” says Maia Norman, co-founder of London-based fashion label Mother of Pearl. “They love serious fashion, but don’t take themselves too seriously.” The brand’s resulting collection for Symphony features head-to-toe florals stamped onto A-line silhouettes with subtle bell sleeves. The Dubai-based brand All Things Mochi also incorporates colourful florals, elevated with crochet ruffles, in its kaftan range for Symphony.

Traditional thobe

British-Sicilian designer Antonio Berardi’s exclusive creations for Symphony take a culturally inspired stance, featuring thobe-like gowns fitted with kimono-inspired sleeves, ribbon detailing at the neckline and beaded feather motifs. While the silhouettes are traditional and conservative, bow detailing gives the pieces a playful touch. “The woman I envisage wearing these pieces is, as ever, a woman with style, a woman with inner strength, a woman who is feminine, but always with a touch of modesty and decorum,” says Berardi.

Knack for neutrals

Long, fluid silhouettes, when crafted from neutral or pastel hues, exude a timeless, feminine elegance, which needs little embellishment or adornment. A floor-length dress from French fashion designer Alexis Mabille, for example, is made in a silky beige tone, the standout feature being oversized bow ribbons at the cuffs. The New York-based Chilean label Zero + Maria Cornejo, meanwhile, uses texture and asymmetry to breathe life into simple, nude-hued kaftans.