I came across Pippa Holt webpage, anyone having any of their kaftans? It seems to be "one size fits all". Any input would be highly appreciated. Are there other companies selling similar kaftans or is this the "one" to look at in terms of quality etcetera?
Pippa Holt kaftans?
- Thread starter kashmira
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Actually just made a purchase and so far, I rather like it. I figured out that there are two basic styles - one panel or multi panel, and three different lengths - ankle grazing, mid calf and mid thigh. There may also be a shirt length version. Definitely a OSFA garment; the construction is absolutely flat, no tailoring, but for many of the garments on the website there are dimensions (which vary, given the handmade nature of the dress).
It was a lot heavier that I expected it to be but in hindsight it makes sense. They are made on a base fabric that's a pretty heavy cotton, presumably to accommodate the weight of the embellishing threads (I'm no weaving expert). So not a lightweight garment. The joining embroidery is tight enough that it works as a dress and not just a beach cover-up; no undergarment concerns. And there are pockets (!!!).
I haven't looked at other companies, but this technique seems to be artisan driven and there is a 'hand' to them that I wouldn't expect a fast-fashion company to be able to replicate. I didn't come across any exposés on child labor or exploited workforces but didn't dig exceptionally deep once it got passed the initial threshold.
HTH
It was a lot heavier that I expected it to be but in hindsight it makes sense. They are made on a base fabric that's a pretty heavy cotton, presumably to accommodate the weight of the embellishing threads (I'm no weaving expert). So not a lightweight garment. The joining embroidery is tight enough that it works as a dress and not just a beach cover-up; no undergarment concerns. And there are pockets (!!!).
I haven't looked at other companies, but this technique seems to be artisan driven and there is a 'hand' to them that I wouldn't expect a fast-fashion company to be able to replicate. I didn't come across any exposés on child labor or exploited workforces but didn't dig exceptionally deep once it got passed the initial threshold.
HTH
I have been a long fan of PHK.. since her first collection dropped many years ago! I think her latest piece are more generous for single panel kaftans. The originals are more narrow (I am a size US8 5’9 and they were tight on my hips). They definitely are heavier, I can only wear them when it’s about 20 degrees Celsius out.
I’d like to add - she is the OG. She is the first to sell to make these Mexican huplas (traditional name of the kaftan) go “mainstream” in fashion.
I’d like to add - she is the OG. She is the first to sell to make these Mexican huplas (traditional name of the kaftan) go “mainstream” in fashion.
Thanks for your reply! May I ask which one you got? Given the construction I really would like to try one on before buying but they look really nice!Actually just made a purchase and so far, I rather like it. I figured out that there are two basic styles - one panel or multi panel, and three different lengths - ankle grazing, mid calf and mid thigh. There may also be a shirt length version. Definitely a OSFA garment; the construction is absolutely flat, no tailoring, but for many of the garments on the website there are dimensions (which vary, given the handmade nature of the dress).
It was a lot heavier that I expected it to be but in hindsight it makes sense. They are made on a base fabric that's a pretty heavy cotton, presumably to accommodate the weight of the embellishing threads (I'm no weaving expert). So not a lightweight garment. The joining embroidery is tight enough that it works as a dress and not just a beach cover-up; no undergarment concerns. And there are pockets (!!!).
I haven't looked at other companies, but this technique seems to be artisan driven and there is a 'hand' to them that I wouldn't expect a fast-fashion company to be able to replicate. I didn't come across any exposés on child labor or exploited workforces but didn't dig exceptionally deep once it got passed the initial threshold.
HTH
I opted for the long, three panel version (more room for my hips). I was concerned that the straight style might be too boxy but the way the panels drape from the shoulders is pretty flattering; because of the heavy embroidery at the shoulders, the panels sort of fold in to provide a bit of shaping. I'm short-waisted, and would normally avoid a belt on a garment like this, but it's actually pretty good with the belt. Also, because the garment is made from a relatively heavy cotton cloth it doesn't cling, and it helps in staying cool even though it's a heavy (not breezy) cotton.
Thanks for the recommendation. Which color combo did you get? I’m thinking about this one (screenshot)
(Will go with my heimat atlantica straw bags and might be a nice change from tailored RTW) Though I found
myself balking at spending £165 for a sash belt
ETA: 8 think the be,t is better on the long version. Unless you look like the model, I think the short dress
Plus belt might be hard to pull off (and I am long waisted). Plus the horizontal stripes have more room
on the long version. The single panel design doesn’t look to have any room for hips IMO
Pippa Holt Kaftans
Stylist Pippa Holt launched her eponymous line of luxury, hand-crafted kaftans in 2016, celebrating her love of fashion design, textiles, far-flung travel and beautiful, original holiday attire.
www.pippaholt.com
Heimat Atlantica | Handmade bags, accessories and ready-to-wear
Shop Heimat Atlantica handmade bags, accessories and ready-to-wear. NEW Collection. Unique handcrafted items. Sign Up For 15% Off. Worldwide shipping available
heimat-atlantica.com
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Great color, and I think this will be perfect with your Heimat bags, same vibe, and I agree, it’s nice to have an alternative to tailored pieces. For me though, this look, especially the long length, only works for at home casual entertaining and relaxing at a resort or beach/lake/mountain home. I don’t think it’s my style for a different setting. The shorter length (35 inches or so) could work as a tunic over shorts for sure but at 5’6 I don’t think I’d personally style it as a minidress, and absolutely not with the belt. (I rarely wear a belted look as I generally find them to be proportion killing on my frame; I was pleasantly surprised that I liked it with the long length but I think it’s because the belt helps shift the proportion perspective, if that makes any sense).Thanks for the recommendation. Which color combo did you get? I’m thinking about this one (screenshot)
(Will go with my heimat atlantica straw bags and might be a nice change from tailored RTW) Though I found
myself balking at spending £165 for a sash belt
ETA: 8 think the be,t is better on the long version. Unless you look like the model, I think the short dress
Plus belt might be hard to pull off (and I am long waisted). Plus the horizontal stripes have more room
on the long version. The single panel design doesn’t look to have any room for hips IMO
Pippa Holt Kaftans
Stylist Pippa Holt launched her eponymous line of luxury, hand-crafted kaftans in 2016, celebrating her love of fashion design, textiles, far-flung travel and beautiful, original holiday attire.www.pippaholt.com
Heimat Atlantica | Handmade bags, accessories and ready-to-wear
Shop Heimat Atlantica handmade bags, accessories and ready-to-wear. NEW Collection. Unique handcrafted items. Sign Up For 15% Off. Worldwide shipping available
The single panel version was never under consideration for me because I was going for a caftan concept and if it was even remotely snug at the hips it wouldn’t work. The three panel is wide and perfectly caftan-like but you’re considerably smaller than I, and the single panel might be just fine. @layd3k mentioned that the original single panel versions were less generously sized than the are now.
I went with the grey with black embroidery and love it!
Adding re:belt, I’d skip it and wear something you probably already have. In an advert I saw somewhere for a long one, the model is wearing it cinched with a CdC belt and it looked great!
HTH!
I looked at the size (measurement) on the webpage and I believe I could wear the 60 cm wide one. Is this the size of the ones you have?
A very close friend has just bought 2(I haven’t seen them yet so I’m not sure which)- she’s also 5’2” like you ,dear @880 , and I believe has bought the long ones, and says they are the most comfortable thing Ever in this sudden heatwave!
I have never heard of Pippa Holt before, but for her to charge $1,000 for the kind of thing you can find every day of the week in Mexico or Central America for $50 (or $150 if you’re being gouged as a tourist) is insane.
The dress you bought looks nothing like the one shown on her website. Different design, different colors, crude weaving/embroidery. Even the fish are swimming downstream while the website photo shows them swimming upstream! 😂 I would return that dress without hesitation and make sure the company eats the return shipping.
NMS, but if you must, get on a plane to Mexico or any country in Central America and pick out your own dress for a similar kind of money. You get a fun vacation out of it. 😜