This is very rare item from a very narrow time period where beatnik fashion was in style, esp. in New York City coffee houses. I can see this suede vest worn with a black turtle neck and black tights, stirrup pants, or a long black wiggle skirt.

I love the side seam suede ties that hang down. There is a plastic zipper that runs down 3/4's of the center back. The zipper looks like it is from the early 60s. The entire suede front is lined in black satin. This item was probably the hardest item I have ever had to photograph. The color is best seen in the closest shots, so there is NO red in this brown. Trim is a much deeper black that photos show.

There are bust darts on each side that have the same stitching as the center seam, as shown in close up. Another close up shows 2 very small breaks in the suede where I carelessly poked the leather to wear a brooch. There is also a small dark stain that is not very noticeable, circled in the same photo. These are the only flaws. The leather is VERY soft suede, and despite the less than flattering photos, this is an AMAZING and RARE slice of Beatnik apparel. Go by measurements. Enjoy!
Bust: 36"
shoulder span: 15. 5"
waist: 34"
length: 22"

This item is sold from a vintage boutique in Las Vegas, Nevada.