It All Started with Halston...

It all started with Halston - a love for Halston’s timeless style and a serendipitous discovery in Palm Springs. Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, caftans were a staple in our home - worn effortlessly for lounging. But, by the time I reached adulthood, they seemed to have disappeared from everyday fashion. That all changed in 2016 when I visited Palm Springs and saw women confidently wearing bold, flowy caftans in public. I was instantly transported back to my childhood and knew I had to bring one home.

Wearing my caftan around Texas, I was stopped constantly with questions such as “Where did you get that?” or “Where can I buy one?” That’s when my husband suggested I make my own. Though my great-grandmother had taught me to sew, crochet and knit at a young age, I hadn’t touched a sewing machine in over 25 years. Determined, I bought a new machine, found a quiet workspace and immersed myself in fabric research. I wanted something luxurious yet practical - breathable, moisture-wicking, machine-washable and sustainable. After scouring the garment districts of Los Angeles and New York City, I found my answer in 100% silk twill. I started crafting caftans for myself, and soon, strangers were asking me to make them one too.

Around the same time, my husband and I were considering a move to Ambergris Caye, Belize. During an impromptu real estate tour, we stumbled upon a property with a commercial space below. We locked eyes and knew - this was it. Caye Caftans was officially born. After securing the perfect fabric, the next challenge was finding the right designer and silk provider. After much searching, we partnered with an incredibly talented designer in Sri Lanka who now creates all of our caftan designs. Our silk is then produced and printed by a top-tier factory in China, ensuring the highest quality. And, thanks to FedEx, our finished pieces make their way directly to us in Belize, ready to be transformed into stunning, handcrafted caftans! We placed an ad for seamstresses and were fortunate to find three incredibly talented women. Not only did they master my original pattern almost instantly, but they also refined and improved it with their expertise. Their creativity didn’t stop there - they came up with the idea to design matching men’s shirts, crafting them entirely without a pattern. Caye Caftans is truly lucky to have them as part of our family.

Today, Caye Caftans isn’t just about fashion; it’s also about community. As a token of our appreciation for our local Belizean community, we have partnered with the San Pedro Town Council to offer free sewing classes, helping locals develop skills for financial independence. We also provide school uniforms for children in need and support initiatives like Empow.her and the San Pedro Food Bank. What started as a personal passion is growing quickly into a global brand, with our handcrafted designs available in multiple international resorts, in several retail outlets across the USA and in our online store. After an unforgettable experience at New York Fashion Week, we’re excited to increase our global expansion. Caye Caftans remains dedicated to sustainability, craftsmanship and effortless elegance. With three signature caftan styles in over 40 unique designs, a growing men’s collection and custom outfits for couples and entire wedding parties, we are proud to bring the beauty of handcrafted Belizean fashion to the world.