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Welcome to Karin’s Book Nook. Today it is my pleasure to host the Blog Tour for SHADOW AND BONE. Back in March I posted my review and as you can see, I enjoyed it immensely. I am so excited to have the author, Leigh Bardugo, guest posting on my blog today. Without further ado….
JUST WHAT DOES A KEFTA LOOK LIKE?
In Shadow and Bone, the Grisha, Ravka’s magical elite, wear a garment known as a kefta. The term and the design were inspired by the kaftans Russian men wore back in the day and, as someone who can’t resist the opportunity to talk clothes and costumes, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite images of vintage and modern kaftans.
(Disclaimer: One thing you’ll notice if you do a google search on “kefta”? It’s also a Middle Eastern meat dish. I debated adding an “h”, but in the end I decided to keep things simple. But no, the Grisha aren’t rocking meat dresses a la Gaga. Given the number of bears and wolves in the woods of Ravka, that would be a most imprudent fashion choice.)
Let’s start with some of the historical inspiration for the kefta:
These are from the Kremlin Armory
An illustration by Ivan Bilibin
But they weren’t just for lounging around. Look at these uniforms warn by the feared Streltsi.
It’s a very regal looking outfit. Thanks for the giveaway!