D’Ascoli Suzani Kaftan

Designer: Peter D’Ascoli
Creative Director: Madeline Weinrib
Materials: 100% silk
Dimensions: One size; adjustable silk belt
Origin: Made in India
Care: Dry Clean Only

This silk kaftan was designed by Peter D’Ascoli exclusively for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, to celebrate the new Hossein Afshar Galleries for Art of the Islamic Worlds. Its pattern is inspired by Shakhrisyabz Suzani, now on view in the galleries.

About the Designer:
Driven by insatiable curiosity, New York designer Peter D’Ascoli has traveled the world studying decorative arts for decades. Formally trained in Textile Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, his early work with handcrafted textiles for the Indian government engendered an enduring love of the art and culture of this ancient civilization. This experience with craft has been augmented by years of work with major fashion brands in the U.S. and with industrial factories around the world.

In 2006, D’Ascoli founded the Talianna Studio in New Delhi, a design and product development atelier, creating luxury fabrics for interior decoration. In 2012, Cecile D’Ascoli began developing a garment collection at the studio. Her approach was based on the types of clothing she herself would want to wear: easy-going dresses and tops with a casual, bohemian vibe. The initial concept, crafted of plain Indian handlooms, was elevated to a new level of creativity when the company installed in-house printing. The results showcase the unique aesthetic and technical expertise of the firm, and its truly original vision. The company now produces contemporary fashion and home products under the D’Ascoli label, and custom fabrics for the interior design trade under the Peter D’Ascoli brand in a vertically integrated factory creating original designs using ancient and modern techniques with small-batch, sustainable methods.

Produced for The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, in partnership with Madeline Weinrib, creative director for The Heirloom Project.