Nizhoni Maxi Kaftan Dress

Our Nizhoni Maxi Kaftan Dress is named for the Navajo word “Nizhoni,” meaning “beautiful,” a fitting expression for this joyful celebration of bold pattern, brilliant color, and the centuries-old art of Indian hand block printing. Block printed by hand on soft cotton, this striking design requires skilled artisans to carefully position carved wooden blocks across the cloth one impression at a time. The graphic zigzags, fine linear details, and contrasting borders demand precision to create, giving this fabric the distinctive character that separates artisan printing from mechanical production.

Jean Marie named this dress Nizhoni because the pattern reminded her of the geometric designs and extraordinary visual traditions of the American Southwest she loves. Vivid orange, ochre, turquoise, blue, and white move through rhythmic zigzags and stripes, creating a wonderfully spirited composition. This dress brings together Jean Marie’s love of the Southwest with the textile traditions of India that lie at the heart of Pax Philomena.

The sweeping 54-inch silhouette showcases the pattern beautifully. Vertical elements draw the eye through this dress, while the wide contrasting borders give the dramatic sleeves and hem their distinctive presence. An adjustable drawstring waist allows our Nizhoni to be worn relaxed or gently gathered to suit your figure, while hand-beaded tassels add another artisan detail.

The extraordinary colors of our Nizhoni also make this dress a beautiful backdrop for our Native American jewelry. Pair it with turquoise, coral, lapis, or a combination of these richly colored stones to create a look that feels layered, individual, and unmistakably Pax Philomena. We especially love the way these stones echo the vivid palette of this dress, making our Native American necklaces, bracelets, and other one-of-a-kind pieces a natural complement.

Our Nizhoni embodies the philosophy behind Pax Philomena: extraordinary textiles, slow fashion, and the patronage of artisans whose specialized knowledge passes from one generation to the next. Because this fabric is block printed by hand rather than mechanically produced, subtle variations in pattern and color naturally occur. These differences are evidence of the human hand, giving each Nizhoni its own individual character and ensuring that no two dresses are precisely alike.

Support artisans. Wear art. Be unique.

Length 54"

One size with adjustable drawstring waist.

100% cotton voile

Made in India

Delicate machine wash cold in a lingerie bag to protect the tassels or hand wash cold. Hang dry.