Object: Evening caftan
Designer:
Thea Porter Couture
Date: c. 1973
Medium: Printed red silk, gold metallic thread, multicolor silk shantung, and velvet
Country: England
Credit Line: Donated in memory of Isabel Eberstadt by her family
Object number: 2007.46.24
DescriptionFull length Indian-inspired evening caftan in sheer red silk with printed lattice design of off-white dots resembling tie dye, re-embroidered with gold metallic chain stitch and sequins; stylized square tapered to front hem for cocoon effect and gathered at back; plunging V-neck with single hook and eye; open sideseams with green border, from narrow tacked and tasseled cuff to wide lower panel of contrast patched squares and rectangles of antique fabrics in multicolor silk shantung, ikat and jacquard, some re-embroidered with floss and sequins; rose velvet ribbons from shoulders to hem, resembling Coptic tunic bands
Label Text:Thea Porter’s designs exude the luxe bohemian quality known as “hippy chic.” She constructed this caftan, one of her signature silhouettes, from multiple imported fabrics embellished with embroidery and sequins. The many years that Porter spent living in the Middle East fundamentally informed her design philosophy.
Exhibitions:
- Exoticism