Ayeye Embroidered Rose Cape Dress

Swirling roses in white and copper thread, outlined in magenta, with green sequin leaves, on black net.

This fabric came from Yaba market in Lagos. It was deadstock, the end of a roll. Black net, embroidered all over with roses: some in white, some in shimmering copper, every one outlined in metallic magenta. Between them sit leaves of bright green sequins that flash when you move. Ayeye means celebration, and this is the one for the party.

Helen cut and sewed every one by hand in Lagos, so no two are exactly the same. The cape falls from the shoulders and moves as you walk. It has a high neck and ties at the back of the neck.

It comes with a stretch slip. Wear it with the slip to a wedding, a Christmas party or a night at the theatre. Or leave the slip off and wear it over jeans.

Before You Order

What size should I go for?

It's one size. The cape is loose, so the fit comes from the slip underneath. Sophia has a 30" bust and wears one size.

What if the slip doesn't fit me?

Wear the cape over your own black slip. A simple one from somewhere like M&S works well.

How long is it?

The cape is about 50" long and falls mid-calf on most people. The slip is 46" long, so it sits a little shorter. Each cape is cut by hand, so yours may be a few centimetres longer or shorter.

Is it see-through?

The net is sheer between the roses, so you can see through it. The slip underneath covers you.

Can I wear it without the slip?

Yes. Wear it over jeans and a black top, or over your own slip or dress.

I have sensitive skin. Is it for me?

If you have sensitive skin or find sequins itchy, this one is not for you.

Is it delicate?

Treat it gently. The embroidery and sequins can catch on rings, bracelets, long nails and bag chains. Put your jewellery on after the cape, and never iron it. Full care is in the What It's Made Of tab.

What shoes should I wear with it?

Sparkly heels for a party or a wedding, the way we've styled it here. With jeans, flat shoes or trainers work too.

Fit

• One size
• The cape is loose and flows from the shoulders. The fit comes from the stretch slip underneath
• Bigger than the slip's stretched measurements? Wear the cape over your own black slip

Measurements

• Cape length: about 50"
• Slip length: 46"
• Slip chest: 44", stretches to 48"
• Slip hips: 44", stretches to 46"

Slip chest and hips are measured all the way round. Each cape is cut by hand, so its length can vary by a few centimetres.

On our model

• Sophia is 5'9" tall, with a 30" bust, 24" waist and 35½" hips. She wears one size.

• Roses embroidered in white and copper thread
• Every rose outlined in metallic magenta
• Leaves of bright green sequins
• Delicate black net
• A cape that falls from the shoulders, with open sides for your arms
• High neck, tied at the back of the neck
• Comes with a stretch slip
• Deadstock fabric from Yaba market, Lagos
• Cut and sewn by hand by Helen in Lagos

Composition

Cape: polyester net with embroidery and sequins in mixed fibres. Slip: stretch polyester.

This is deadstock fabric, so we can't be sure of the full fibre mix.

Care

• Hand wash only, in cold water with a mild detergent
• Do not rub or wring. Press the water through softly
• Lay flat to dry, away from direct sun and heat
• Wash the slip separately
• Do not iron. Heat can melt the sequins and dull the metallic thread. Use a steamer held a little away, or hang it in a steamy bathroom
• Do not tumble dry
• Do not dry clean
• Put jewellery on after the cape, and mind long nails and bag chains, as the embroidery and sequins can catch
• Store on a padded hanger in a breathable garment bag