By Lola Mangia
Alright, let’s get one thing straight—Modernism Week in Palm Springs is not your average costume party. Forget the face paint and plastic wigs. Here, we celebrate a little thing called style—and no piece of clothing embodies that desert glam quite like the caftan. Slip into one of these floaty beauties, and you’ve unlocked the ultimate Palm Springs vibe: laid-back luxury with a side of old-school cool.
But hold up, let’s not just talk about how fabulous caftans look in the sunshine. Let’s dive into their deep, rich history because it’s a tale that goes beyond the poolside.
The Caftan: From Desert to Diva
Picture this: It’s the early 1900s, and the caftan—this loose, flowing garment—starts popping up in the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa. The caftan was designed for comfort, perfect for the hot, dry climates where breezes were scarce, and the sun was relentless. The easy fit allowed for plenty of air circulation, and let’s be real, the draped fabric just oozed effortless cool. Think of it as the OG of comfortable chic.
By the time the mid-century hit, the caftan made its grand entrance into the U.S. fashion scene. Who do we have to thank for this? None other than the likes of the fashion royalty like Elizabeth Taylor and, of course, the queen of bohemian style herself—Bianca Jagger. These women didn’t just wear caftans, they wore them. They made them iconic. Whether poolside in Palm Springs or sashaying through a cocktail party, the caftan became a symbol of the jet-set lifestyle and the free-spirited vibes of the ’60s and ’70s.
Fast forward to today, and that same laid-back, luxe vibe is what makes the caftan the perfect wardrobe staple for Modernism Week. Palm Springs, with its retro cool and sun-soaked streets, is the ultimate caftan haven. Throw on one of these flowy wonders, and you’re basically telling the world you’re living your best life—in the desert, under the stars, and in style.
The Frippery: A Palm Springs Icon
Speaking of caftans and style, let’s talk about The Frippery. If you’re in Palm Springs and you’re not stopping by this vintage wonderland, what are you even doing with your life? The Frippery, which first opened its doors in 2005, is a must-visit for all things mod, resort, and boho. The shop is a visual feast, filled with vintage treasures from the 1920s all the way to the 2000s.
Located now at Market Market, this cool new spot is the ultimate spot for everything vintage and fabulous. It’s like stepping into a time machine, but instead of awkwardly dodging history, you’re slipping into the hottest retro pieces Palm Springs has to offer.
Throwback Vibes: Caftans in the Window
I personally can’t forget the amazing caftan window displays at the old store. Like, I was ready to move in. Those windows weren’t just displays; they were a vibe. Chander, the owner, was the mastermind behind it all. From the vibrant patterns to the luxe textures, each display made it clear: caftans were the statement piece for anyone visiting Palm Springs. And guess what? Chander’s still got that magic touch.
Why Caftans?
So why caftans, though? Well, for starters, they’re the perfect desert garment. Light, airy, and comfy enough to rock all day long, whether you're chilling poolside or sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar. And let’s not forget: caftans are like a blank canvas for accessorizing. Pile on the chunky jewelry, throw on some big sunglasses, and boom—you’ve got yourself a look that’s part ‘60s glam, part modern-day diva. And if you need more proof, look no further than Vogue’s June 2024 issue. The caftan is definitely trending, but let’s be real, it never went out of style. From ancient history to Modernism Week, it’s always been the go-to for comfort and chicness.
— The Frippery Team (and a bunch of vintage-loving locals who know that the desert is always better in a caftan). The Frippery is in Market Market 140 S Palm Canyon Dr, Suite 1 Palm Springs, CA 92262
Wear A Caftan on Tuesday, Get Free Stuff
If you’re all about those caftan vibes (and seriously, who isn’t?), The Sandwich Spot is serving up a rad Tuesday treat just for you. Here’s the catch—rock a caftan, stroll in any Tuesday, and boom—you’ll score a FREE soda and a bag of chips with your sandwich.
Yep, you heard that right. No weird strings attached, just a little love for looking fabulous while stuffing your face with some bomb sandwiches made from top-notch ingredients. Whether you’re craving the classic turkey and swiss, something with a spicy kick (hello, jalapeño ranch), or a veggie bomb, they’ve got it all. The vibe’s super chill, the staff’s got that friendly energy, and let’s be real, a free soda and chips just makes everything taste better. So, toss on your fave caftan, swing by, grab that tasty sandwich, and get a little something extra for being your stylish, laid-back self. You deserve it!
The Sandwich spot is located at 1101 N Palm Canyon Dr, Suite A Palm Springs, CA 92262
So, next time you’re in Palm Springs for Modernism Week, leave the costumes behind. The caftan is all you need to keep it cool, classic, and totally Palm Springs.
Come for the Caftans, Stay for the Vibes
In Palm Springs, the caftan isn’t just a piece of clothing—it’s a lifestyle. It’s the freedom to embrace comfort without sacrificing style. It’s the freedom to be who you are, whether you’re mingling at a poolside party or gazing at the stars in Joshua Tree. When you slip into a caftan, you’re not just
dressing for the occasion, you’re stepping into a desert dream.
About the Author
Lola Mangia is a passionate foodie with an insatiable love for coffee and fashion. With her keen eye for culinary trends and stylish flair, she explores the vibrant intersection of gourmet delights and chic aesthetics. When she’s not sipping artisanal brews or curating her next outfit, you can find her documenting her delicious adventures on social media, inspiring others to savor life in style. Checkout her blog Notoriouslysinglegirl.
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