Oso Bronze Snakeskin Cape Dress

Snakeskin in bronze and taupe, with leaves cut out to show black net underneath.

This fabric came from Yaba market in Lagos. It was deadstock, the end of a roll. A snakeskin print with a soft sheen, stitched all over with leaf outlines in black thread. Some of the leaves are cut away, so black grid net shows through. From across the room it's a bold black and bronze pattern. Up close, you see the detail.

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 ties at the back of the neck, with a tie made from the black net of the fabric. Oso means adornment, and this is the one you wear to be seen.

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. The slip is 44" at the chest and stretches to 48", and 44" at the hips, stretching to 46". 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 underneath is 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?

Only where the leaves are cut out. There, you can see through the black net. 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?

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

Does it come in another colour?

Yes. The Oso Silver Snakeskin Cape Dress is the same cape in ivory, silver and charcoal.

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
• The cape falls mid-calf on most people, with the slip a little shorter 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.

• Snakeskin print in bronze and taupe, with a soft sheen
• Leaf outlines stitched in black thread
• Cut-out leaves showing black grid net underneath
• A cape that falls from the shoulders, with open sides for your arms
• Ties at the back of the neck, with a tie made from the black net of the fabric
• Comes with a black stretch slip
• Deadstock fabric from Yaba market, Lagos
• Cut and sewn by hand by Helen in Lagos

Composition

Cape: polyester. 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 cape. 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 cut edges and net can catch
• Store on a padded hanger in a breathable garment bag, away from zips and sequins