Ogba Gingham Cape Dress

Flowers cut from navy and white cotton gingham, outlined in white, on black lace.

This fabric came from Yaba market in Lagos. It was deadstock, the end of a roll. Black polyester lace, covered in flowers and curling stems cut from cotton gingham, each one outlined in raised white cord. The edges are left a little soft and frayed, so it looks hand-finished, because it is. That's where the name comes from: Ogba means garden.

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 with a long black ribbon, over a keyhole opening.

It comes with a black 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 lace is sheer between the flowers, 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.

Is it delicate?

Yes. The lace and the frayed edges of the flowers can catch on rings, bracelets, long nails and bag chains. Put your jewellery on after the cape. Full care is in the What It's Made Of tab.

What shoes should I wear with it?

Heels for a party or a wedding. 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.

• Flowers and stems cut from navy and white cotton gingham, outlined in raised white cord
• Soft, frayed edges for a hand-finished look
• Black polyester lace underneath
• A cape that falls from the shoulders, with open sides for your arms
• High neck, with a long black ribbon tie and a keyhole at the back
• Comes with a black stretch slip
• Deadstock fabric from Yaba market, Lagos
• Cut and sewn by hand by Helen in Lagos

Composition

Cape: polyester lace with cotton gingham appliqué. 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 lace or the flowers. 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 lace and frayed edges can catch
• Store on a padded hanger in a breathable garment bag, away from zips and sequins