A caftan (or kaftan)  have been worn by several cultures around the world for thousands of years. It has served as a symbol of royalty in some cultures and as a symbol of marriage in others during some parts of history. It first appeared in Persia at about 600 B.C. and has transcended time. Christian Dior introduced an open fronted version of the kaftan in the 1950's. Yves St. Laurent, who was born in Algeria, created kaftan style designs in the 1960's. The style became popular as hostess gowns, worn for both formal and casual parties given at home. Diana Vreeland once pegged the caftan as "fashionable for the beautiful people."

Text Maria DaSilva