The Shape Shifter

NKWO's Parachute Top

Nigerian brand NKWO's Parachute Top, hand-dyed in Abuja by local artisans using traditional techniques, can be customized for various body shapes. This design is not premised on any particular form of gender expression. The drop shoulders and drawstring hem create a cocoon shape around a knot detail on one side and shirt buttons on the other. This piece could be worn as a top or mini dress, depending on your height. The drawstrings give you control over the length and the option to create an asymmetric silhouette by fastening one side only. Undoing a few buttons means you can tweak your neckline to accommodate jewelry and base layers. One-upping an actual parachute, the top can be worn back to front—who's to say which is which?

Nkwo

Parachute Top

$180

Nkwo

Parachute Dress

$250

The Deconstructed Shirt

IAMISIGO's 3-in-1 Shirt Dress
 

Utilizing the classic shirt's ability to slot into wardrobes regardless of gender, IAMISIGO creates a mashup statement that merges three shirts into one. Made in Kenya from upcycled cotton, the design holds attention by placing familiar elements in unexpected places. An extra collar emphasizes the left shoulder, while another wraps around the waist. Two sleeves drape down the right hip to create the piece's overall asymmetry, while another hangs casually down the back with chic nonchalance. A design that's as formal as it is playful, you could dress it up with gold hardware for the evening or down with casual slides for daytime. 

Fruché

White Osagie Shirt Dress

$450

IAMISIGO

3-in-1 Shirt Dress

$413

The Set

Orange Culture's Bobo Sweat Shirt and Shorts

Orange Culture's Bobo set is an easy-wearing example of designer Adebayo Oke-Lawal's design vision to create universal styles that reject silhouette stereotypes. Made in Lagos using upcycled raw silk, the iridescent purple-y blue colorway gives these casual pieces a glamorous sheen. Worn together or separately, their simplicity makes for wonderfully open-ended styling possibilities. Accessorizing is an easy way to give the set a stamp of individuality. The sweatshirt's clean neckline is a perfect base for your favorite necklaces. Pair the shorts with sneakers for a sporty moment, or toughen them up with a chunky pair of boots. As long as it feels aligned with your personal aesthetic, there's no such thing as a bad styling choice. 

Orange Culture

Casj Vol 2 Bobo Sweat Shirt

$85

Orange Culture

Casj Vol 2 Bobo Shorts

$80

The Coverall

Viviers' Cappuccino Cocoon Cape

There's a bold simplicity to South African label Viviers' Cocoon Cape. The ankle-length coverall is a unique piece untethered from fashion's usual season, trend, and gender markers. Light brown and cream tones are calming in their neutrality and complemented by meticulous design details. The front and back vents, in-seam pockets, and zip fastening add practical value. Vivier's artisans handcraft this piece using pure cotton and vintage sinamay, a natural straw fabric made from Abaca plant fibers. While worn out and about, there's no question this is an attention-grabbing piece. Still, its minimalist palette and fuss-free design won't overpower your personality, ensuring it remains your look's central focus. 

Viviers

Draped Coat Dress

$1,220

Viviers

Cappucino Cocoon Cape

$1,120