A caftan is a glamorous maxi dress, a de rigueur part of a fashionable wardrobe here in the Palm Beaches.  You don’t need to live in Palm Beach or Beverly Hills to add some special caftans to your wardrobe.  Rachel Zoe has famously made the look attainable for glam girls everywhere.  Whether you plan to wear yours at home, entertaining a few friends or a very special someone, or to bring to your tropical vacation next winter for poolside lounging, the caftan will add comfort and glamour to your resort wardrobe.  Channel Elizabeth Taylor in Puerto Vallarta with an authentic 1960s caftan – or just turn heads at this year’s Hampton’s farewell to summer bash.  Rest assured that noone else will be wearing the same caftan or resort ensemble by choosing an authentic vintage version.

The selection shown below is available at the OgoVintage etsy shop.

Paganne by Gene Berk maxi dress with Native American motif

Tetoran embroidered textile from Lolitte’s Boutique circa 1960s and moire satin with passimenterie trim from Morocco circa 1970s

Embroidered Moroccan caftan circa 1970s and a yellow lace version circa 1970s

The ultimate entertaining caftan is a heavy gold brocade with lavish ribbon and velvet trim and a 70s Tegaki hand painted caftan made in Hong Kong and sold through Bergdorf Goodman

Lightweight vintage kimono circa 1970s and Indian silk tunic dress both serve as caftan alternatives

The holidays are just around the corner.  Whether you are planning to be the hostess for a holiday soiree, or already have invites to choose from, add a little extra sparkle in glamorous lame’.

The word LAME’  is derived from the French word for trimmings of gold or silver.  Metallic threads can be woven into part of the textile, or contained throughout the fabric. The metallic thread can be used with any other color, or a combination of colors.  Whether you dress it up or dress it down, modern or vintage, a shimmering lame’ will be fun and festive at any holiday event.

Although lame’ has been used in eveningwear since the 1930s, lame’ reached a pinnacle of popularity in the 60s to 70s.  Both woven and knit textiles were given the metallic lame’ treatment, providing a variety of  textures and silhouettes.

Here are some OgoVintage metallic lame’ items, some not yet listed, some available on Ogo’s ebay store or etsy shop, and some already in the possession of a happy new owner.  If any one in particular speaks to you, please email  Ogo@OgoVintage.com  to stake your claim.

L: Malcolm Starr 60s dress  C: Floral lame’ vintage 60s dress  R: Richilene Golden vintage gown

 L: Silver lame’ 60s pant suit and floral lame’ maxi skirt at the etsy shop

R:  Op-art lame’ gown and Krist lame’ orange and fushia gown both sold at OgoVintage etsy shop

L: Caroline Charles Striped lame’ suit C:vintage 50s lame’ wiggle dress

R: 3 piece gold lame’ knit outfit All items at the OgoVintage etsy shop

 L:  Halston caftan  R:   Halston pleated maxi skirt, vintage 50s floral dress

L:  Geoffrey Beene Maxi Shirtwaist   C:  Marc Bouwer golden draped gown

R:  Vintage 80s metallic blue lame’

 Lame’ embellished tops, all available @ OgoVintage etsy shop

Vintage 60s lame’ shoes at the OgoVintage etsy shop

 L: Pauline Trigere shirtwaist  C:  70s knit Italian gown  R: Givenchy lame’ suit

L:  1940s crochet lame’  C:  Silver Moire coat looks great with lame’  R:  1960s silver knit lame’ go go dancer micro mini

The women of Palm Beach know the secrets of casual resort dressing, with comfort AND glamour in mind.  The first rule is comfort, as seen in this vintage THE LILLY Pulitzer pleated caftan.  Toss this caftan over your swimsuit for afternoon cocktails poolside or wear it at a romantic al fresco dinner for two.

THE LILLY vintage caftan available on the OgoVintage etsy shop

Versatility is an important component of Palm Beach resort style.  A wrap skirt that moves easily from poolside to lunch with friends is chic enough to pack for a winter tropical trip.  At OgoVintage, you may choose between the BILL BLASS red wrap ruffled jersey or the black and white border print St. Maxine by Anthony Perrotti, both circa 1970s and in pristine vintage condition.

BILL BLASS red vintage skirt with Oscar de la Renta ribbon jacket @OgoVintage etsy shop

St. Maxine designed by Anthony Perrotti @ OgoVintage etsy shop

Add instant style by layering this vintage Oscar de la Renta sheer jacket over your bathing suit poolside or over a cotton sundress for an afternoon of shopping on Worth Ave.

Oscar de la Renta vintage georgette sheer jacket with ribbon trim @OgoVintage etsy shop

The single item chosen for Oscar de la Renta’s inclusion in the Council of Fashion Designers of America exhibit at the Boca Raton Museum of Art is a lavish evening gown, with a black, intricately embellished top and a voluminous bright yellow duchesse satin skirt.  Here are two examples of  Oscar de la Renta gowns available on OgoVintage now.

Oscar de la Renta apprenticed with Balenciaga, then worked with Lanvin-Castillo, and joined Elizabeth Arden in the early 60s,  opening his own design house in 1965.  His designs have been worn by jet setters and movie stars, including Jackie-O.  Fortunately, he has apparel lines in addition to the mesmerizing gowns that he is most famous for.  The items shown below are excellent examples, to add to any wardrobe.

L:  Jersey Lounging caftan Gown       R:  Iridescent Silk Chiffon cocktail dress

While the men are jousting for electronics on Black Friday, not to mention Cyber Monday, the stylish gal is conjuring up a holiday season filled with elegant black frocks, mysterious black lounge wear and romantic black blouses.  Here are a few choices to make your look memorable this holiday season…

 Vintage Jenelle of California lace and maribou feather caftan, linked to the ETSY shop listing

 Vintage Valentino skirt with lace side inserts, linked to the ETSY shop listing

 Oscar de la Renta silk and lace romantic blouse, in the EBAY store

 Modern version of a 60s shimmy “flapper” dress, coming to the EBAY store

Once again, the holiday season is commencing, with parties at home and away.  Whether your  personal style is whimsical or haute, dressing for the occasion is part of the fun.  One of the benefits of hosting the party is having the chance to slip into a special at-home loungewear vintage treasure.  Channel Elizabeth Taylor in her glam caftans in Puerto Vallarta, with lots of bling.  If haute hippie is more your style, capture the best of Talitha Getty in her hippie era caftans entertaining the mod jet set in Morocco.

Ogovintage has an enviable collection of glamorous caftans, with choices available at the ebay store and etsy shop, and new listings posted periodically.  Here is a sampling of OgoVintage at-home hostess glam wear past, present and future…

Bill Blass Jersey Caftan

Halston Gold Lame’ Caftan

Oscar de la Renta Lounging gown

Josefa Vintage Mexican Artisan Caftan