Sun Gourd – Collar Edition

Product Overview

The Sun Gourd Kaftan is a celebration of Africa’s life-giving energy, communal spirit, and ancestral wisdom. Inspired by the calabash a traditional vessel used for sharing water, food, and ritual the design intertwines this powerful symbol with radiant sun motifs, reflecting warmth, vitality, and continuity.

This piece honors Africa’s deep-rooted traditions while embracing a modern, wearable elegance. Every kaftan is handcrafted and hand-dyed in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire, making each garment uniquely expressive in tone and motif placement.

Symbolism & Story

The calabash has long symbolized unity, sharing, and sustenance across African cultures. In Sun Gourd, it merges with sun imagery to represent warmth, generosity, and enduring beauty. The vibrant hues echo Africa’s landscapes and spiritual rhythms reminding us of roots that bind communities together across generations.

Design & Silhouette

Designed as a traditional loose-fit boubou, this kaftan is intentionally oversized and never body-hugging. The silhouette allows for graceful movement and airflow, offering both comfort and presence.

A partial side seam construction, stitched from the base of the armhole down to the hem, creates a subtle side flap opening of approximately 6–7 cm. This detail enhances ease of movement while preserving the garment’s flowing structure. Sleeves are not separately sewn; instead, arm openings are cut directly into the kaftan shape for authenticity.

The look is completed with a classic shirt collar and a short front placket featuring two functional buttons—adding refined structure without compromising the relaxed form.

Fabric & Craftsmanship

• Fabric: 100% cotton Bassam Batik

• Dyeing: Hand-dyed using traditional techniques

• Colors: Ivory, Forest Green, Vibrant Orange

• Finish: Exposed edges with artisanal machine stitching for a raw, authentic aesthetic

• Origin: Handcrafted in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire

Each kaftan reflects the hand of the artisan, ensuring no two pieces are exactly alike.

Fit & Sizing

• Fit: One Size (traditional oversized boubou)

• Sizing: Comfortably fits up to US Women’s XXL, depending on desired looseness

• Style Note: Designed to drape freely and flow naturally

• Accessories: Scarf not included

Measurements (Flat)

• Total Width: 140 cm / 55 in

• Width (Edge to Edge): 96.5 cm × 2 / 38 in × 2

• Collar Circumference: 44–45 cm / 17.3–17.7 in

• Placket Length: 49 cm / 19.3 in

• Functional Button Opening: 14 cm / 5.5 in

• Armhole Opening: Approx. 35 cm / 13.8 in

Styling Notes

Perfect for cultural events, ceremonies, summer soirées, or relaxed elegant outings. Wear it loose for a traditional flowing look or add a belt to define the waist. Complements statement earrings, bold heels, or strappy sandals, and transitions effortlessly across seasons with light layering.

Care Instructions

• Hand wash separately in cold water for the first few washes

• Use Marseille soap or mild, non-bleach detergent only

• Do not soak

• Hang to dry away from direct sunlight to preserve color

• Warm iron on reverse side if needed