1970s Afghan Embroidered Maxi Dress – Red, Cobalt & Lavender

A beautiful original 1970s Afghan-style maxi dress in a particularly striking and very wearable colour combination of deep red, cobalt blue and black, finished with wonderful lavender, cream and metallic-toned embroidery across the yoke.

The dress has the characteristic construction of Afghan dresses from this period, with a heavily embroidered geometric chest panel, a short fitted upper bodice and an extremely full gathered skirt. Contrasting cobalt panels run through the sleeves, while embroidered woven trims finish the neckline, bodice, cuffs and hem.

Despite its dramatic proportions, this one feels particularly easy to incorporate into an everyday wardrobe — beautiful worn with boots and thick tights through autumn and winter, with a coat or jacket layered over the top.

The dress slips on over the head and has no fastening. The shoulder construction is intentionally very narrow/high-set, with the sleeve beginning well inside the natural shoulder line before falling into a wide, full sleeve. This is typical of the construction and should not be interpreted like a conventional 26 cm shoulder measurement.

No maker’s or fibre-content label remains. Likely Afghan-made for the Western/European fashion market during the 1970s.

Condition

Good vintage condition. There is some age-related fuzziness and fraying to the embroidery threads, particularly around the decorative areas, consistent with age and wear. No significant holes or tears noted. Please refer closely to the photographs for condition and detailing.