Stripes with a mind of their own. Bias at the bodice, straight down the skirt, and a belt that pulls it all together.

The Cassidy Sunset Stripe is a belted shirt dress in 100% viscose, cut true to size. The rust, chocolate brown, blush pink and cream stripe runs on the bias across the bodice, then turns vertical down the skirt, meeting at a defined waist seam. It has a collared button-front placket with a striped button stand, gauged three-quarter sleeves finished with a cuff, side pockets, and a self-belt fastened through a woven rattan buckle. It is made in Cape Town by a small all-female team, in a limited run.

The bias-to-vertical stripe change is what gives this dress its shape. Cut diagonally across the chest and shoulders, the print pulls the eye in and then lets it fall straight down through the A-line skirt, so the dress reads as considered rather than just printed. The waist seam and belt do the rest of the work, nipping in the silhouette without a single dart.

Viscose has a fluid, cool handle that suits a Cape Town summer, whether that's a long lunch, a market morning or dressed up with heels for evening. The pockets are there for keys and sunglasses, not decoration.

FAQ 

Does the Cassidy Sunset Stripe run true to size, and which size should I take?
It runs true to size. Our model is 170cm and wears a size 32 in this belted shirt dress. If you usually take your normal Signature by Des size, order that same size here, and use the belt to fine-tune the waist.

What fabric is it made from and how does it wear?
It is made from 100% viscose, which has a soft, fluid drape and breathes well in warm weather. It moves easily with the body, making it a comfortable midi shirt dress for South African summer heat without clinging.

How do I wash and care for it?
Hand wash only. Viscose holds its colour and shape better with gentle hand washing than machine washing, so avoid the machine and any harsh wringing to keep the Sunset Stripe print looking sharp for longer.

What can I wear it with?
Keep it simple with flat sandals and stacked bangles for daytime, or swap in heels and gold jewellery for evening. The belt is adjustable, so you can wear it cinched in or loosened for a more relaxed silhouette.

Where is it made and how many were produced?
It is made in Cape Town, South Africa, by a small all-female team. Like every Signature by Des style, it is produced in a limited run, so once a size sells out in this print, it will not be restocked.

Why does the stripe change direction on the bodice and skirt?
It is a deliberate cutting choice. The bodice is cut on the bias so the stripe runs diagonally, while the skirt panels are cut straight, so the stripe runs vertically. The waist seam is where the two directions meet.