Izmir Black Silk Kaftan by Sonali Raman

The Izmir Kaftan

The Izmir kaftan is a traditional kaftan, loose fitting, full length in 100% silk, where the age-old artisanry of Bandhej embellishes the rich textile.

Master craftsman Abdul Jabbar Khatri from Bhuj (Western India), learnt the craft of Bandhej from his family. Jabbar Bhai has done outstanding work to revive and contemporize the craft, bringing renewed value and interest to this ancient art of tie and dye on fabric which dates to the 6th century.

Sonali and Abdul Jabbar worked together to translate Sonali’s signature chevron patterns onto these luxurious kaftans; each beautiful pattern bears the master’s expert touch, creating one-of-a-kind designs that bear the imprint of a master craftsman.

Using Sonali signature chevrons, she created patterns that Abdul Jabbar Bhai recreated on fabrics by painstakingly hand-tying the fabrics using a small grain of rice for each dot; the fabrics were then dyed for the base color and dip-dyed at the edges for the tied patterns that transformed a regular bolt of fabric into elegant, custom-designed apparel.

This is truly slow mindful fashion.

Designer’s Bio:
Sonali’s journey into fashion began with designing miniature apparel for her Barbies and later creating full-sized clothes with her mother’s sewing machine. Influenced by her family’s love for natural fabrics, she pursued a degree in Fine Arts and post-graduation in Fashion from NIFT, India. Sonali started her career with a fashion-buying house, sourcing textiles and developing collections. After 20 years in India, she moved to Doha, Qatar, working as a Retail Buyer and Fashion Consultant on projects like the Qatar Armed Forces Military Uniforms. She launched her brand, SR by Sonali Raman, in 2014, focusing on handcrafted fashion jewelry and apparel blending modern silhouettes with traditional techniques. Sonali teaches at VCUarts, Qatar, and advocates for sustainable fashion, collaborating with organizations promoting conscious consumption.

Size: this garment is designed in a free size, ensuring a versatile fit for everyone. Additionally, the length can be easily adjusted at any tailor shop for a perfect fit.