Forbidden Fruit seem to have specialised in that rich, bohemian, pseudo-ethnic look so beloved of musicians and their entourages at the time. Velvets, wildly patterned braids, furs, brocades, all the things you could possibly want from late Sixties clothing. It was 'associated' with Howard Marks, bands even used to hang out and rehearse in the basement of the shop...and Ten Years After played outside in 1969 (see images on Philm Freax's brilliant website). Their ad in IT encouraged people to "float in and see our things; clothes, candles, carpets, bags, jewellery, incense, skins, pipes, beads and other imported goodies."

This particular dress seems to rise above all those slightly deliciously grotty associations in its soft, peridot shaded velvet scrumptiousness. There's almost something quite mediaeval about the high neck, high waist and [my favourite detail] the pointed sleeve ends. It projects an innocence and elegance which belies the spirit of the times which created it, which in turn makes it a perfect period piece from the end of the Sixties.