Afghan clothing became the height of fashion during the 1960s hippie scene, worn by John Lennon, David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix. In 2000, Kate Hudson famously wore one to play the Penny Lane in the film Almost Famous, starting another iteration of the trend. Today, original 1960s coats and gilets, such as this one, are highly collectible. Cut from thick coffee-brown suede, this coat is lined with luscious, super cosy sheepskin in a natural cream hue. The collar and armholes are also lined in sheepskin. The detail across the suede outer is elaborate; embroidered leaves are woven from gold- and sand-hued thread, fuchsia embroidery depicts birds and botanic forms and adorns the hems with geometric patterns. The front hangs open and cannot be fastened.

This is a fantastic example and one of the best we have owned in Circa's collection over the many years we have been in business. They are becoming increasingly rare to find, especially one as intricately detailed as this and in excellent vintage condition too. The embroidery, wool and leather are all still fresh looking. We noted a darker blemish in the shape of a half circular line to the back of the gilet, hidden in the busy detail. This cannot be seen when worn and is barely discernible in the photo of the back. Should fit a range of sizes due to the open design; on smaller sizes, the jacket will meet in the middle and on larger sizes, the jacket will reveal the torso. We all tried this on at Circa and we range in size between a UK 6-8 or US 2-4 and UK 14-16 or US 10-12.

MEASUREMENTS CLOSED

BUST - 42 in. (107 cm)

WAIST - 40 in. (102 cm)

HIP - 44 in. (112 cm)

LENGTH - 24 in. (61 cm)