Help me make a fantastic fashion faux pas!

May 27, 2013 3:46 PM

Back in the heady days of my youth I used to wear a rather splendid afghan coat - you know, the typical hippy embroidered brown suede and fur affair, complete with disturbing aromas of patchouli and vague decay (although to be fair that may have been me rather than the coat). And now I'd love to find another one - preferable a full-length white version I can paint the cover of ELP's 'Tarkus' album on, but another brown one at a pinch. Any idea where I could get one, Mefites? Ebay and online searches only seem show women's coats and I'm a 6' chap (from Nottingham, in the UK)! Many thanks in advance!
posted by timpollard to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (5 answers total)

Most of the Afghn coats of that generation have passed away. They were notoriously difficult to breed in captivity. I believe the Portobello market is good for clothes of that vintage.
posted by BenPens at 3:55 PM on May 27, 2013 [1 favorite]

I've combed through my usual online 2nd hand sources and this does seem to be a rarity. (I really hope you come up with an answer here, though. This sounds so great.) Another possibility (probably a bit easier to source, but would require more labor on your part) would be to track down an older suede coat that you like and attach some kind of shearling trim to collar, cuffs, and hem. (Here's an example of the look, though this one is new, and expensive even at 65% off.)
posted by sophieblue at 4:21 PM on May 27, 2013

In the town where I live there is a coat-maker who works with sheep-skin and who makes that kind of coat in any shape and size. I had one made a couple of years ago for 200 Euros - white with black collar, cuffs and trimmings. Don't know how you could get measured for it, though.
posted by miorita at 4:46 PM on May 27, 2013

This one is a size 14 tall. If you ask the seller for measurements, it may be big enough.
posted by biscuits at 5:21 PM on May 27, 2013 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Many thanks indeed to you all - some great suggestions and I really appreciate your help (and support)!
posted by timpollard at 12:03 PM on May 28, 2013