Former British Vogue Stylist Pippa Holt has collaborated with a community of weavers in Mexico to create a line of  handwoven belts to wear with the kaftans.
Originating in a town called Santo Tomás Jalieza, known as the ‘belt town’, this group has been making belts for many years in techniques passed down from their ancestors. The colourful pieces are handwoven in cotton on a backstrap loom. Master weaver, Abigail, weaves the finest and most intricate of patterns on small looms on her well lit patio. Her work has won national awards.
This is a pre-Hispanic technique that continues to be used without major changes over the centuries. The complexity of the work that can be created on this loom is limited only by the skill of the weaver. The entire loom with the weaving in progress can be rolled up at any time and carried from place to place.
The belts feature depictions of sacred animals, geometry, feather dancers and the animals and plants they see in their daily life, which is interwoven with fine cotton in vibrant details.
The technique of using a backstrap loom consists of securing an end of the loom to a tree or post and the other end to the waist of the weaver, maintaining the tension with the weight of the body, the women sit on straw mats, feet folded, wide leather belts sit on their lower backs, providing hand placement that is conducive to the creation of sophisticated patterns.
* Each belt comes in a handmade clutch bag made from palms.

Stylist Pippa Holt launched her eponymous line of luxury, hand-crafted kaftans in 2016, celebrating her love of fashion design, textiles, far-flung travel and beautiful, original holiday attire.

Pippa Holt Kaftans

Belt No.13

Title

Single panel midi kaftan in khaki and white stripe with black motifs.

Kaftan No.254

Handmade in weighty orange and white striped cotton, this statement-making kaftan makes a chic addition to any summer wardrobe. Its rare and textured weave make it a sophisticated piece with a feel of the far flung. Its oversized shape means it looks as great belted, as it looks worn loose. No.23 works well teamed with tan sandals or moccasins for a poolside look that exudes effortless chic.

Kaftan No.23

A favourite amongst Fashion Editors and buyers alike, the No.120 kaftan is the ultimate summer staple. Crafted in a single panel, this mini design is woven from navy cotton with traditional white geometric motifs. The classic colourway is great styled for the city with white kicks.

Kaftan No.120

Three panel midi kaftan in navy with black design.

Kaftan No.293

Pippa Holt’s kaftans are handmade by artisan weavers on a traditional backstrap loom – each piece takes one month to complete. This berry and teal style features criss-cross motifs in accordance with the traditions of the remote Mexican weaving community, where they are made. The symbols represent joy, union and family. The darker hue of this style means it could work in the city during colder months.

Kaftan No.89

Three panel maxi kaftan in khaki with green design.

Kaftan No.255

Belt No.62

Kaftan No.199 is a Pippa Holt ‘must-have’. Hand-woven on a traditional backstrap loom, it’s white base is detailed with pastel motifs, lending it a ‘light as air’ quality and evoking the idyllic shores of the Mediterranean. Keep the look fresh with pared-back accessories and bronzed skin.

Kaftan No. 199

Three panel mini kaftan in neon yellow and white stripe with black design

Kaftan No.261

Three panel midi kaftan in white with silver metallic design.

Kaftan No.288

Pippa Holt works with artisans to create kaftans that are handmade using traditional techniques. Woven on a backstrap loom, this black and pink striped cotton kaftan is carefully decorated with an array of coloured motifs - no two are the same.

Kaftan No.107

Belt No.90

Belt No.78

A 'must-have' from Pippa Holt's 'denim' range, No.64 completes the set with its single-panel mini style. Naturally-dyed for a denim-like look, its classic design is handwoven by Mexican artisans and is utterly unique. Keep the look fresh with minimal styling and white sandals.

Kaftan No.64

This turquoise supermini is a beach holiday favourite of fashion editors globally. Woven by Mexican artisans on a backstrap loom, it is utterly unique. Perfect styled with white accessories.

Kaftan No.104

Cool and minimal, this pared back kaftan offers a monochrome palette of white and black 'people' motifs. Created by artisans Guelacia and Margarita Garcia this traditional ‘people’ design is a recurring theme in their craft; the symbols represent family, love and unity. Kaftan No.141 is finished with a limited-edition neckline representing beehives.

Kaftan No.141

Pippa Holt’s kaftans are handmade by artisan weavers on a traditional backstrap loom – each piece takes one month to complete. No.4 is every fashion editor’s favourite and for good reason: it works just as well in the city as it does on the beach. Its monochromatic scheme means it can be worn during cooler months with a roll neck. The fringed hem makes an artisanal statement.

Kaftan No.4

Three panel midi kaftan in black with back motifs.
Approximately 80 cm wide x 130 cm long.

Kaftan No.283

Former British Vogue Stylist Pippa Holt has collaborated with a community of weavers in Mexico to create a line of handwoven belts to wear with the kaftans. Originating in a town called Santo Tomás Jalieza, known as the ‘belt town’, this group has been making belts for many years in techniques passed down from their ancestors. The colourful pieces are handwoven in cotton on a backstrap loom. Master weaver, Abigail, weaves the finest and most intricate of patterns on small looms on her well lit patio. Her work has won national awards. This is a pre-Hispanic technique that continues to be used without major changes over the centuries. The complexity of the work that can be created on this loom is limited only by the skill of the weaver. The entire loom with the weaving in progress can be rolled up at any time and carried from place to place. The belts feature depictions of sacred animals, geometry, feather dancers and the animals and plants they see in their daily life, which is interwoven with fine cotton in vibrant details. The technique of using a backstrap loom consists of securing an end of the loom to a tree or post and the other end to the waist of the weaver, maintaining the tension with the weight of the body, the women sit on straw mats, feet folded, wide leather belts sit on their lower backs, providing hand placement that is conducive to the creation of sophisticated patterns. * Each belt comes in a handmade clutch bag made from palms.

Belt No.92

Kaftan No.205

Belt No.27

Belt No.77

Single panel midi kaftan in blue tie dye design.

Kaftan No.344

Three panel midi kaftan in neon yellow and white stripe with neon yellow design.

Kaftan No.284

Pippa Holt works with experienced artisans to create handmade, organic cotton kaftans with ease, style and versatility in mind. Featuring brightly coloured woven motifs on a pale aqua base, No.190 exudes contemporary, fresh and far-flung luxury. Style loosely with white sandals for an effortlessly chic look.

Kaftan No.189

Naturally dyed from vegetables and flowers, this timeless purple kaftan evokes the quiet serenity of the deep ocean. Ideal for both the seashore and city pavements, it has been hand-woven by Mexican artisans with geometric motifs. Take your style cue from Pippa Holt and team with classic loafers, a PHK belt and basket bag.