Frankie was a best seller in check. Now she's in stripe.

The Frankie is a blue stripe shirt dress made from 100% cotton, in a blue and white stripe, true to size. It has a collared button-front placket, short gathered sleeves, a shaped waist, and a tiered hem that gathers into fullness partway down the skirt. A long self-tie belt, cut from the same fabric, can be worn cinched in or left loose. It has side pockets, and the last button carries the signature red thread. It's made in Cape Town, South Africa, by a small all-female team, in a limited run.

The waist is shaped into the dress itself, so Frankie holds its form with or without the belt. Tie it in for definition, or let it go for something easier through the body. Either way, the tiered hem takes over, dropping into a fuller skirt that moves as you walk.

The placket and belt are cut with the stripe running sideways, so the details stand out against the vertical stripe of the body. At the back, the yoke is gathered for movement through the shoulders.

FAQ

Does the Frankie run true to size, and which size should I take?
The Frankie runs true to size. The waist is shaped into the dress itself, so the fit holds with or without the belt. Our model is 1.70m and wears a size 32. Take your usual Signature by Des size, and use the self-tie belt to adjust the waist to your preference.

What fabric is it made from and how does it wear?
The Frankie is made from 100% cotton in a blue and white stripe. Cotton breathes well in warm weather and holds its shape through the shaped waist and tiered hem, and it softens nicely with every wear and wash over the summer.

How do I wash and care for it?
Hand wash only, and wash dark colours separately. We suggest washing by hand to ensure the longevity of your garment, because a lot of care went into making it. Treated gently, the Frankie will hold its colour and shape season after season, ready whenever you want it.

What can I wear the blue stripe shirt dress with?
Tie the belt in for a defined waist, or leave it loose and let the tiered hem do the work. Wear it with trainers and a bright bag for the day, or flat sandals for a long lunch. The stripe keeps it fresh either way.

Where is it made?
The Frankie is made in Cape Town, South Africa, by a small all-female team. Like every Signature by Des style, it's produced in a limited run, so once the blue stripe is gone, it's gone. Free delivery applies on orders over R1500.

Do I have to wear the belt for the dress to hold its shape?
No. The waist is shaped into the dress itself, so the Frankie holds its form with or without the belt tied in. The belt adds definition if you want it, but it's not needed for fit, so you can wear it loose on hot days.