Ododo Flower Cape Dress

Black flowers stitched onto heavy white cotton.

This fabric came from Yaba market in Lagos. It was deadstock, the end of a roll. A heavy, textured white cotton, covered in five-petal flowers outlined in thick black blanket stitch, each with a black woven centre. It has weight, so the cape holds its shape and swings when you walk.

Helen cut and sewed every one by hand in Lagos, so no two are exactly the same. The cape falls from the shoulders, and it ties at the back of the neck with a light, delicate tie in black net, soft against all that cotton. Ododo means flower.

It comes with a black stretch slip, but the cotton is heavy enough that you don't need it. Wear it on its own or over the slip to a wedding, a Christmas party or a night at the theatre. Or wear it over jeans.

Before You Order

What size should I go for?

It's one size. The cape is loose and falls from the shoulders, so it fits most people. Sophia has a 30" bust and wears one size.

Do I need the slip?

No. The cotton is heavy enough to wear on its own. The slip is there if you want it: 44" at the chest, stretching to 48", and 44" at the hips, stretching to 46".

How long is it?

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

Is it see-through?

No. The cotton is heavy, so it covers you without the slip. Only the small black flower centres are open.

Is it heavy to wear?

It has more weight than our net capes, which is why it holds its shape so well. It still moves easily, because it hangs from the shoulders.

Is the tie delicate?

Yes. It's light net. Tie it gently and keep rings and long nails away from it.

Can I wear it with jeans?

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

What shoes should I wear with it?

Black heels for a party or a wedding. With jeans, flat shoes or trainers work too.

Fit

• One size
• The cape is loose and falls from the shoulders, so it fits most people
• Falls mid-calf on most people
• Comes with a black stretch slip, but the cotton is heavy enough that you don't need it

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.

• Heavy, textured white cotton
• Five-petal flowers outlined in thick black blanket stitch
• Black woven flower centres
• A cape that falls from the shoulders and holds its shape, with open sides for your arms
• Ties at the back of the neck, with a light, delicate tie in black net
• Comes with a black stretch slip, though the heavy cotton doesn't need it
• Deadstock fabric from Yaba market, Lagos
• Cut and sewn by hand by Helen in Lagos

Composition

Cape: heavy cotton. Tie: polyester net. Slip: stretch polyester.

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 the net tie. Steam the cape, or hang it in a steamy bathroom
• Do not tumble dry
• Do not dry clean
• Treat the neck tie gently. It is fine net and can catch on rings and long nails
• Store on a padded hanger in a breathable garment bag