Rare 1970s French Connection Boho Embroidered Cotton Harem Two Piece

An unreal and exceptionally rare original 1970s French Connection two-piece, made in India from beautifully lightweight 100% cotton cheesecloth gauze. This is almost impossible to find today and is an extraordinary piece from a wonderfully experimental period of fashion when Indian textiles, folk influences and free-spirited minds were being embraced. The set is made up of a loose tunic-style top with huge balloon sleeves, paired with oversized balloon harem trousers. Both pieces are covered in gold block print, with incredible colourful embroidery to the neckline and trousers.

There is mounds and mounds of fabric to this piece, creating a beautiful, exaggerated shape that is so characteristic of the era. The top is versatile and can be worn more like a dress, or styled with the matching harem trousers for the full look. Equally, both pieces work beautifully worn separately. The combination of Indian block printing, intricate embroidery and crinkled cotton cheesecloth, together with the bold proportions, makes this a really unusual collector's piece and a wonderful example of the eccentric, globally influenced side of late-60s/early-70s fashion. A genuinely special piece of French Connection history.

Made in India

Materials: 100% cotton cheesecloth gauze

Era: Early 1970s

Size: Medium, but please note the top is considerably more generous than the trousers

Model is a 6-8, 5"3, 34c

Top measurements:

Bust: approx. 50"

Shoulder to armpit: approx. 13"

Length: 32"

Trousers measurements:

Waist: 26"

Rise: 13.5"

Inside leg: 27"

Condition:

Really gorgeous vintage condition overall with no significant flaws to note. There is one missing button at the trouser waistband, which does not affect wear and could very easily be replaced. There is also a very slight opening to the seam on the left arm, again minor and not affecting the way the garment wears.