Cornucopia 34 : Ottoman Kaftans

Cover story

Power dressing

High fashion meets high politics in the fabulous kaftans of the Ottoman golden age. Nurhan Atasoy unwraps a Washington blockbuster.

For boldness, colour and virtuosity- not to mention unashamed glittering luxury - nothing can compare with the golden age of the Ottoman kaftan. The latest blockbuster exhibition, following the Royal Academy's sensational ‘Turks', is ‘Style and Status', showing at the Sackler Gallery in Washington from October 29. After months of conservation work to ensure that they travel safely, the Topkapi has lent the Sackler dozens of its mesmerising royal kaftans for a show that promises to sweep the fashion world off its feet. ‘Style and Status: Imperial Costumes from Ottoman Turkey' is on until January 22, 2006.