Turkish-born, London-based designer Rifat Ozbek is noted for his use of vivid colours and ornamentation on classic silhouettes, drawing on diverse cultures for inspiration. This ensemble debuted as part of Ozbek’s Spring/Summer 1996 collection. The turquoise, red and white floral pattern derives from Iznik ware, specifically the Iznik tiles flanking the entrance of the 16th century Rüstem Pasha Mosque, Istanbul. Other Iznik patterns were used within the collection (see T.166:2001), printed on lightweight fabrics cut into simple, streamlined silhouettes. Speaking to British Vogue in 1996, Ozbek explained: "I do get ideas from Turkey. I saw some old Iznik tiles in a mosque in Istanbul, photographed them, had them printed on to fabric and used it for kaftan shapes this summer."