I’ve been searching for a beautiful, lightweight short robe…and I love the one I received from Novica recently! I ordered it from Novica’s selection of Last Minute Gifts, and received it very quickly!
It arrived wrapped in a lovely batik, screen printed drawstring bag…a nice little bonus that could be used in so many ways.
When I opened it and removed the robe, I was struck by the softness and beauty of the fabric! This would make a wonderful gift for her. The robe is named “Red Empress”, and I could see why, made with vibrant red fabric covered with classical Japanese motifs in black, dark gray, and a darker red. Created by Indonesian artisan Arthur Karvan, the motifs are designed by hand with a silk screen technique.
As a child, I lived in Japan with my family for 3-1/2 years, and the wrap styling of the robe, with the wide 3/4″ sleeves, reminds me of a kimono. There are even small vents under the arms. Constructed of wonderfully lightweight, oh-so-soft rayon…it only weighs .4 lbs…and is a piece you can just wrap and tie with the belt, for an easy, breezy feeling. It is a shorter length, and no long sleeves to get in the way. It will be especially great for warm weather days!
It is “one size fits most”, hand washes in cold water, and line dries in the shade to preserve the vibrant colors. A warm iron makes any wrinkles disappear easily!
Arthur Karvan is constantly searching for new and innovative techniques, and uses the best silks, cottons, and linens for his original, high quality batik work. His collaborators are given freedom in their creations, which are embraced for their unexpected, unique qualities! My robe is a work of art!
I hadn’t used the Last Minute Gifts section before. On Novica, often items ship from the countries they are made in, so items can take longer to arrive…but in this section, while the gifts are made from artisans from around the world, they are shipped from the U.S. and I had my robe in a matter of a few days. That’s really nice to remember when I want something for myself or a last minute gift for someone else!
Novica has many wonderful Women’s Robes in different lengths, styles, and colors. I am looking forward to wearing more of their Women’s Clothing pieces in the future!
