V&A

Reversible Black Brown Silk Dupioni Butterfly Caftan

2010s · 2010s · Nigerian

Designer

Patience Torlowei

Production

one-of-a-kind

Material

silk dupioni

Culture

Nigerian

Movement

Afrofuturism · Dark Academia

Influences

West African agbada · Japanese kimono silhouette

This reversible caftan displays masterful Nigerian textile artistry with hand-crinkled silk dupioni construction. One side features rich black and brown tones with intricate embroidered butterfly motifs and appliqué work, while the reverse showcases blue, white, and purple plaid with additional printed elements. The voluminous silhouette flows from wide kimono-style sleeves to a dramatic floor-length hem with extended train. The garment's construction demonstrates sophisticated draping techniques, with the silk's natural texture enhanced by deliberate crinkling that creates dimensional surface interest. Embroidered details appear concentrated on the sleeves and front panels, suggesting traditional West African decorative placement patterns adapted for contemporary luxury fashion.

dressloose fitfloor length

Connected To

Multicolored Striped PVC Ceremonial Dress

V&A

African Traditional · 2010s

V&A

2010s · 2010s

Multicolored Striped PVC Ceremonial Dress

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Reversible Black Brown Silk Dupioni Butterfly Caftan

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Both garments pulse with the electric current of Afrofuturism, but they speak different dialects of the same language. The Senegalese dress transforms traditional ceremonial robes into something that could have beamed down from a spacecraft—those glossy PVC stripes in neon pink, blue, and yellow catch light like a disco ball, while rainbow ribbons cascade from the bodice like digital waterfalls.

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