This 70s caftan is part of a large collection that I acquired over the years here on from Etsy. I’m keeping some but selling most. I fell in love with Josefa dresses as soon as I received one. The amazing manta cotton. Manta fabric is 100% organic cotton woven in an ancient Mayan custom. Their unique weaving creates a herringbone-textured pattern for an exquisite look and comfortable fit. These unique pieces are cross dyed, embroidered, with beautiful appliqué and ribbons making each piece one of a kind. This particular one is bright purple and with red sun shaped neckline, rainbow embroidery, long bell sleeves with teal quilted appliqué on the bust and shoulders. There’s embroidery down both sides of the dress. Pull over style. It’s long, please see measurements.
Great vintage condition, few spots on the back. A small part of the embroidery around one cuff got tangled, but it’s so tightly done, it’s not unraveling.
Dried cleaned and ready to wear.
Handmade in Mexico.
Laid flat:
17.5" shoulder to shoulder
22” bust
22" waist
23" hips
56"long
18" sleeves
30" sweep
A closer glance at Josefa Ibarra
Known simply as Josefa, she was a renowned designer whose dresses were coveted by celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor. In 1963, upon her arrival at Puerto Vallarta to film The Night of the Iguana, the legendary actress took with her a considerable amount of dresses to wear back in Los Angeles. They would garner plenty of attention. In a matter of time, Elizabeth Taylor’s friends would also buy their own Josefas, turning it into a trend in multiple countries.
Many designers joined the trend, and over the years, many pieces were lovingly kept and preserved in closets around the world, souvenirs of a moment in time representing México’s age of glamour.
