Thread: working on new silk caftan outfit idea

Despite two black eyes and two long incisions (thank you bridal bindis) we were able to get a few shots yesterday of an idea I've been working on in all that free time.

It's not intended as a bellydance costume but I must admit on my 'fat' days when I am swollen or for maybe a more modest event, I would love to wear this caftan (it's more fitted, not loose) and maybe add a sequin fringe belt for shake

The caftan is a mix of silk charmeuse, silk, and panels of painted silk chiffon ..it's very Asian inspired. I don't have closeups yet as I just wanted to see how the overall presentation would be. These pics are taken on a very windy beach so i could not really 'pose' to show details.

The caftan buttons along the bust with those frog closures. Mine has a thin line of glitter along the neckline.

The silk harem pants are just your typical harem pants. Great for movement and modesty. You can wear the caftan with just the pants or add a circle skirt. I wore a silk halter bra dyed by myself under the caftan.

The circle skirt is 1/4 in front and 3/4 in back. I've had this skirt for a long time you may recognize it from other photos..the 1/4 panel is very thin and does not allow for much coverage so you should probably layer it with another skirt or harems, or not go out in the wind. But the 1/4 in front allows for the pants to peek thru and I can really move in it.

Again not exactly intended originally for dance but I can see it working out. I wore the outfit to Chilis last night and walked the beach and felt like a Goddess.

I would probably dye some sets in akai colors but am leaning towards more simple two tones ..I want to avoid the clown look. These would be a more elegant simple line and be single or two tone colored but I would add a long silk scarf with multi colors to give it that signature akai flash.

Just posting for feedback and well just for sharing.

have more photos to share later ..finally have some pics of silk fans and of the Jemileh skirt and veil set :)







simple color outfit spiced up with multi color Kata veils

this is the perfect 'veil dancer' outfit as there are no beads to snag on silk

also makes a killer beach evening outfit or cruise ship kinda thing

mmmmmmmmmmm

This is gorgeous!

Wow! That is ethereal, romantic, and gorgeous! If you figure out your pattern I bet you'd have alot of dancers snapping them up, heh, heh.

I like where this is going - is there any chance of adding a variation with a bit of sleeves? That would be really, really nice!

Originally Posted by steffib

I like where this is going - is there any chance of adding a variation with a bit of sleeves? That would be really, really nice!

ya got a pic as an example?

am probably gonna pursue the high end hotels and resorts with this but of course it will be available to dancers but it won't be some cheap thin bought from ebay circus crap. it will be nice shtuff.

The picture on their website is TERRIBLE (sorry!), but I was immediately thinking of something like the entari sleeves on the Turkish Dancer pattern by Folkwear: Folkwear Pattern #108 - look at the line drawing for a better impression. Argh, wish I could show you the tops in my closet! Or, may just a an elbow-length, straight, slightly wider, rectangular sleeve?

I always like sleeves, I have broad shoulders and anything that covers that up is just infinitely more flattering. I know they cause you more hassle, but for some people, the additional coverage is very desirable ;-)

Anyways, I really like the cut with the high slits that go up to the hip bones (or higher, can't see from the pics), that is just so flattering and fun to move in! I have very simple tunics for Pennsic (no pics), made out of thin cotton, and even though they are super simple to make, they are comfy and look great over jeans, and I wear them mundanely quite often. So, to me, the idea of a silk tunic/caftan sounds really exciting! (My credit card already tries to hide ...)

These are so cool. Love the idea of a Akai silk caftan ..g.: