1960s–1970s Bohemian Folkloric Dress with Afghan-Inspired Embroidered Velvet Bodice

1960s–1970s Bohemian Folkloric Dress with Afghan-Inspired Embroidered Velvet BodiceA striking and unusual bohemian folkloric dress dating to the late 1960s1970s, featuring a sculptural velvet bodice richly decorated with Afghan inspired embroidery. The embroidery panels, worked in deep red with gold and multicoloured detailing, strongly recall Central Asian and Afghan textile traditions, while the overall construction and silhouette place the piece firmly in the bohemian fashion movement of the mid 20th century. The bodice is

8” (including flounce)

While similar pieces were mass-exported for a few years

giving the garment its sculptural

body-skimming silhouette

2"Coral cabochons: approx

An extraordinary collector’s piece — wearable

but the shorter length means it sits best on smaller to mid sizes

Measurements (laid flat):

relaxed quality typical of Indian cotton gauze from the era

and espadrilles for city wear

Some light irregularities in the smocking and gentle overall fading

textural and effortlessly statement-making