From Kazakhstan to Melbourne

I love vintage textiles, especially ones that put me in mind of my Slavic heritage, like this beautiful, antique short-sleeved robe. This rich piece is redolent of an exotic history, and it tantalised me for weeks as it hung in the window of a vintage boutique.

Finally I ventured inside, only to learn that it is a child’s garment and would be far too small for me. That was bitterly disappointing considering at $85 it was well within my budget.

As a ceremonial robe from Kazakhstan, I can at least daydream about its fascinating origins in the days of the Russian Empire – and marvel that it has ended up in the window of a Melbourne boutique.