Caftan Culture

Clockwise from Upper Left: Georgine; Oday Shakar; Assael Cascade Earrings; Moonstone, Sapphire, and South Sea Pearl Necklace by Assael; Etro; Assael Flora Collection Ring.

Caftans are having a moment…but then again they’ve been a go-to look among the glamour set for thousands of years (think Cleopatra…and Elizabeth Taylor playing Cleopatra). According to Lauren Santo Domingo’s high-fashion site, Moda Operandi: “Nothing says ‘I’m fabulous’ quite like the caftan. Easy, timeless and undeniably glamorous, they’re an essential for any well-respected Moda woman.” This season’s caftans by designers Elizabeth Kennedy, Oday Shakar, and Rosie Assoulin are particularly bold and exquisitely embellished. Suitable for cocktail parties or poolside afternoons, the caftan juxtaposes fashion’s current penchant for modesty with an undeniable air of mystery. Lesson learned? Let’s leave a little something to the imagination.

The Color Yellow

Clockwise: Assael Natural Sardinian Coral Necklace; Gucci S/S18; Amanda Seyfried at The Met Gala in Prada; Golden Keshi Pearl Necklace; C/Meo Collective.

While the Spring/Summer ’18 collections were abloom with marigold yellow turnouts, many of us are reluctant to follow suit. Perhaps it’s because we’ve been told this is a difficult color to wear, or because the fashion press insists on calling summer’s favorite shade “Gen Z Yellow.” Be that as it may, recent red-carpet looks by Stella McCartney, Prada, and Valentino are changing our minds about this optimistic color. (We especially love the unexpected dash of red Sardinian coral shown with marigold at Gucci.) Try this hot summer color sparingly at first: perhaps a golden-yellow blouse with a black pencil skirt, or a belted blazer over white flared jeans. You’ll love it!

Sophisticated Florals

Clockwise: Cate Blanchett in Mary Katrantzou SS/18; Valentino FW/18-19; Assael Flora Earrings and Pendant,  Akoya Pearl and Diamond Cuff, Natural Sardinian Coral and Diamond  Earrings.

There’s nothing Insta-worthy about a flowered dress for summer…unless of course it’s by Self Portrait, Richard Quinn, or Mary Katrantzou. This season’s painterly florals defy all stereotypes, employing daring color combos and deconstructed silhouettes. Wear yours off the shoulder, one-shouldered, loose, or cinched with a wide belt. Summer-of-‘18 midi-dresses call for extra-long necklaces to balance their proportions. Solid color strands of creamy white pearls and pink Angel Skin coral complement these kaleidoscopic patterns.