The Blood of Christ
My design conflates the Arabian Kaftan with the European Gothic. Their similarity, primarily rests in their extravagance, utter grandeur, drama and elegance.
The traditional Kaftan is born out of simplicity – just three stitched panels- yet the effect is sheer exuberance. The volume of fabric, the way it falls, and the ease of its construction with emphasis on its ornate trimmings and elaborate accessories provide its classical beauty and the Wow factor!
Chiffons, Satins and Silks are perfect for the Kaftans during the spring and summer months. Alternatively, rich and vibrant coloured velvets add warmth to the winter seasons. The panels, are usually embroidered with golden or silver ribbons (dfira in Arabic), or a choice of other colours and a style of weave from the ribbon designs. When worn, the Kaftan is drawn in at the waist with an 18c-22c gold belt; matching bracelets, gold encased gem-set earnings and finished with a head dress if desired.
My design conveys the Gothic element in how the waist and chest are manipulated defining the overall shape and its flare. The panels are couture, and skim the curves without the need of a belt. The chest is formed from stylistic detailing in the panels drawn from the Corsetry traditions with several darts and boning. They produce form and structure the upper body that narrows into and shapes the waist. Gothic scalloping cascades from the collar to the chest. Drawing attention to itself and to Gothic’s dexterity and the appliance of its intricate tailoring.
A Cut narrating Kaftan Elegance, and Gothic Chic.
(the accessories haven’t been included. Illustration not finished)
Corset 
ic Goyhic meets Erte elgance Kaftan Sensuailty
You are a dress designer then? If so, your designs are very beautiful! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
many thanks. I had a production company before, and produced club and street wear through out the 90s….I learned much from working with the pattern cutters and the professionals…I wasn’t skilled but developed what little I had. – tho plenty of dreams and motivation!. Those days seem so surreal now…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Forgive the personal comment, but you don’t exactly look old enough to have all that experience. 🙂 Not trying to get fresh – just saying.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Robert, fresh is good!
A compliment indeed. You must be on the other spectrum of age? ps. if you have time, read my The Skies, and let me know your opinion…..it’ll be valued. EST of rereading about 10 mins’. and note, the first part isn’t saying much -(could it be a deterrent?), but it really takes flight from there. let me have your thoughts. My intention is to change more of it, especially, considering when Shakespearean language is used and fot what reason – though I already know the reason. Let me know your favorite part. I personally think the concept of structuring an building from the ‘Lustre of Jewels’ is totally innovative in Architecture, and Literature. what do you think??
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heading over there now Lily – thanks for asking. 🙂
Fresh means flirty – right?
Just checking. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course, ‘fresh’ means flirty, cheeky. You’re coming from a good place. I know that – hey I’m a Londoner – I moved, to the coast, a couple of year s back
LikeLiked by 1 person
You mean like Brighton, Bournemouth, Worthing – that sort of coast? Or maybe the West Coast as in part of the US. Your name has me … thinking of Germanic-ness too.
Londoner huh – well who’d have though it! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Margate. sunny Margate. UK. Where “the hip brigade are advancing their charge”,. Nicely put by the Independent :}}}
LikeLiked by 1 person
You just gotta love The Independent for a line like that! 😀
Feeling the love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Robert, I’m still navigating this site, so bare with me.
About your name, it’s a very interesting one. You really can pass away the hours creating sentences and phrases. Ps, just stopped by your Sound Cloud. Were you singing ‘Aint no SunShine….’?
Your v. talented. A star, I was right!
LikeLike