The New Elegance: Why the Kaftan Is the Garment of the Season

By Lauren Barfoot, Founder of Holland Street

There’s a certain kind of glamour that doesn’t shout. It doesn’t cling, squeeze, or sparkle for attention. It flows. It whispers. It moves with you. That’s the kind of glamour I’ve always been drawn to—and that’s why I built Holland Street around the kaftan.

This summer, the kaftan is having a moment. But it’s not just a trend—it’s a shift in mindset. Women are choosing comfort without compromise. They’re choosing silhouettes that celebrate rather than sculpt. They’re choosing to take up space.

The kaftan has a rich, global history. It’s been worn by royalty, rebels, and icons—from Princess Grace in Pucci to Talitha Getty in Marrakech. It’s a garment that carries stories, and today, it’s telling a new one: one of empowerment, ease, and elegance.

At Holland Street, we design kaftans that feel like silk armour. They’re soft, but strong. Feminine, but never fragile. They’re made to be worn barefoot on the beach or with bold earrings at a rooftop party. They’re made for movement, for mood, for moments.

And let’s be honest—traditional partywear can feel like a trap. The tight dress, the high heels, the fake tan routine. It’s exhausting. The kaftan offers an escape. No waistbands. No Spanx. Just silk, sleeves, and self-assurance.

Fashion is political. What we wear says something. And this season, the kaftan is saying: I’m here on my own terms. I’m not dressing for approval—I’m dressing for joy.

The kaftan is no longer a cover-up. It’s a statement. It’s a celebration. It’s the future of fashion—and it’s already here.