We generally use the UK sizing see Size Guide
Ready-To-Wear. Selected Colours Online.
Also Available at our Lagos Store.
Calina Midi Dress
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- Unit price
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Size Guide
At DESIRÉE IYAMA, we generally use UK sizing as a reference. However, we have created our own custom size guide to reflect the realistic woman’s body and the unique cuts and fabrics of our designs.
We are proudly size inclusive, offering sizes from UK 4 / US 0 through to UK 26 / US 22, ensuring that every woman can find pieces that reflect her style and celebrate her body.
For additional support, our team is available to assist with measurements, fit guidance, and styling advice, helping you select the best size for your chosen piece.
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Description
Inspired by the Canna flower which signifies pride, strength, and determination.
Calina is a feminine and fun dress crafted from Taffeta. Features a fitted bodice, back invisible zipper, sequined flower embroidery detailing at chest, and gathered puffy flare at hem, with back slit. The Calina is greatly insipred by our SS24 Canna Midi Dress, and our SS25 Lily Maxi Dress.
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At DESIRÉE IYAMA, we generally use UK sizing as a reference. However, we have created our own custom size guide to reflect the realistic woman’s body and the unique cuts and fabrics of our designs.
We are proudly size inclusive, offering sizes from UK 4 / US 0 through to UK 26 / US 22, ensuring that every woman can find pieces that reflect her style and celebrate her body.
For additional support, our team is available to assist with measurements, fit guidance, and styling advice, helping you select the best size for your chosen piece.
-
Care Information
We recommend reading each garment care instructions carefully before trying the below. We have prepared some useful tips and tricks on maintaining our product’s cleanliness and longevity without damaging the fabric.
Tips – Sunlight is a natural antibacterial agent. Leaving your clothes in the sun for a short time can have them smell as fresh as new. Avoid harsh detergents and bleach that can weaken delicate fibers. Use spot cleaner, If it’s only dirty in one teeny place, an exercise that spots cleaner.Damask
Damask is a reversible, jacquard-patterned fabric, meaning that the pattern is woven into the fabric, instead of printed on it. The fabric’s design is created through the weaving technique, which is a combination of two different weaving techniques—the design is woven using a satin weave, while the background is achieved through a plain, twill, or sateen weave. Damask is woven using only a single warp thread and a single weft thread. The patterns of damask can be either multi-colored or single-colored. Damasks can be made from a variety of different textiles, including silk, linen, cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers, as rayon.
How To Wash Damask Fabrics
Products made from this fabric should be hand-washed or machine-washed using a delicate cycle with cool water and mild detergent.
For general cleaning, add detergent to a bucket of water, put in your product, swirl it around till it is fully soaked, and leave it to sit.
After a few minutes, empty out the detergent and rinse the item thoroughly in clean cold water a few times to remove the soap residue.
To dry, lay the garment on a cloth line and sundry.How To Iron Damask Fabrics
Always use a pressing cloth between the iron and the damask fabric to prevent the snagging of the looser, floating threads.
Press on the wrong side to prevent flattening of the floating threads and only do a small touch-up on the other side.Linen
Linen is a strong, lightweight fabric made from the flax plant. The word linen comes from the Latin name for flax, Linum usitatissimum. One of the most appreciated linen features is its durability. While linen is already soft and absorbent, with proper care, it becomes more so after each wash.
How To Wash Linen Fabrics – Machine Wash
Linen is machine-washable. If yours allows, choose the highest possible water level and the delicate cycle.
Do not overload the washing machine.
Overloading can result in the intertwining of the products with each other, twisting, and changing their original shape.How To Wash Linen Fabrics – Hand Wash
Hand washing is best for thin linen fabrics, which could get damaged in the washing machine.
It is advised to choose soft, neutral detergents for delicate fabrics.
Use lots of water, as linen tends to absorb great amounts of it.
Rinse the linen carefully.
Do not twist, crumple, or rub the fabric hardly. It can result in damage.
Avoid detergents with bleach (i.e. chlorine, peroxide).
Do not put detergents directly on the fabric. Detergents must be fully rinsed after washingHow To Dry Linen Fabrics
Linen can be dried in a dryer at a low temperature, or allow linen pieces to dry out in the sun.
It will help to maintain fresh whiteness.
Do not overdry linen as it can weaken or shrink the fabric.How To Iron Linen Fabrics
Iron linen while it’s still slightly damp.
Use medium or high temperatures and steam.
If needed, you can also spray some water on the fabric.
Iron is on the reverse side.Silk
The strongest natural protein fiber composed mainly of Fibroin, silk is a shimmering textile known for its satin texture and famous for being a luxurious fabric. Silk is known for its shine and softness as a material. Silk is a natural fiber known for its luster, shine, strength, and durability. Silk has a beautiful drape and an absorbent nature.
How To Wash Silk Fabrics
Place your silk garment in cold water with a mild silk-friendly detergent.
Leave to soak (no more than 5 minutes).
Swirl the garment slowly and gently.
Rinse with fresh cold water, and ball your silk together to remove excess moisture (wringing your silk out will damage its fibres).
Then hang it on clotheslines to dry, and avoid using pegs. Most wrinkles in silk can simply be steamed out.
If you can’t steam the creases out then here are a few tips on how to safely iron your silkHow To Safely Iron Your Silk
Flip your garments inside out and set the iron to low heat (or the silk setting).
Iron silk only once it’s dry and be sure to put a cloth between the silk and the iron.
Do not spray or wet silk while ironing, you may get water stains.Taffeta
Taffeta is a crisp, plain-woven fabric made most often from silk, taffeta fabric typically has a lustrous, shiny appearance. Taffeta is a fine, crisp, noisy woven fabric with a lustrous sheen that rustles when you walk! The word “taffeta” derives from the Persian word tafta, which means “glossy twist” and originally the fabric was woven with highly twisted silk fibers. It’s the highly twisted yarn that gives taffeta its characteristic crispness and these days taffeta can be found made from a variety of modern fibers such as nylon, viscose, polyester, acetate, or even a blend of these fibers.
How To Care For Tafeta Fabrics
Taffeta can be dry-cleaned, hand-washed or machine-washed.
Only use gentle detergent while washing.
Use cold water since hot water can cause dye bleeding.
Never twist or wring the fabric as this will damage its shape.
Do not hang the taffeta in direct sunlight. Instead, dry it in a well-ventilated area.
If you opt to press the fabric, keep the iron heat low. Do not use direct heat on the fabric.Raw Silk
Raw silk is a firm lustrous fabric also known as Silk Noil. This is a slightly nubby fabric with random flecks in a natural, off-white colour. It has a somewhat rough texture and a gentle drape.
How To Wash Raw Silk
Raw Silk responds better to handwashing than dry cleaning.
Soak the silk garment in a basin filled with lukewarm water and several drops of mild liquid soap.
Rinse the garment in cool, clear water until all the soap has been flushed out of the garment.
Add water to the basin. Rinse the silk again in clear water.
Hang clothes to dry or lay flat.Cotton
Cotton is primarily composed of cellulose, an insoluble organic compound crucial to plant structure, and is a soft and fluffy material. Cotton is a natural fiber derived from cotton plants. Cotton is very water absorbent, but it also dries quickly, which makes it highly moisture-wicking. The cotton plant needs lots of suns, a long period without frost, and a good amount of rain. You can wash cotton garments by hand or by machine.
How To Wash Cotton Fabrics
Cotton is susceptible to shrinking if you expose it to too much heat.
Use cold water to avoid shrinkage.
If your garment needs particular spot-cleaning attention, you can gently rub soap on marks, underarms, or necklines.
Before you toss your cotton pieces into the washing machine, you should treat them for stains, You don’t want to wash a stained item before treating it, or you risk setting the stain in more permanently.
Most laundry detergents work well on cotton.
if you have especially dirty items, you should consider a high-performance detergent.
Hang to dry somewhere out of direct sunlight.Mikado
Mikado is a heavy, lustrous fabric with a beautiful drape that has a long history in bridal fabric. As a twill weave (meaning threads are woven over and under two or more threads at once), Mikado has a slight, diagonal grain that lends itself to a particularly smooth drape.
How To Wash For Mikado Fabrics
Mikado fabrics can be spot-cleaned with mild liquid detergent, warm water, and a soft, clean cloth.
Treat stains promptly. The longer a stain remains on the textile, the more difficult it will be to remove.
Never use heat to clean textiles. Heat can set stains.
Do not use agents containing bleach. These agents may cause discoloration over time. -
Shipping and Delivery Policy
We are delighted to offer worldwide shipping through our trusted logistics partners. Every order is carefully processed to ensure your Desirée Iyama pieces reach you in perfect condition. Please review our shipping and delivery guidelines below:
Order Processing and Dispatch
• Orders are usually shipped from our Lagos studio, but may also be dispatched from our international warehouses (e.g., London) depending on product availability.
• DHL is our primary logistics partner, though alternative carriers such as Royal Mail may be used for local dispatch. Shipping fees cover the full logistics journey, including bulk transfers and local delivery.
• Orders are processed within 3–5 business days (slightly longer during peak seasons).
Local Delivery (Lagos Only)
• Free citywide delivery.
• Typically delivered within 1–2 business days after processing.
International Shipping
• Available worldwide, with costs calculated at checkout.
• Delivery takes 3–10 business days on average, though customs may cause delays.
Customs and Duties
• Customers are responsible for any customs duties, taxes, or local charges not included at checkout.
Tracking & Support
• You’ll receive a tracking number once your order ships.
• For lost or delayed packages, contact orders@desireeiyama.comReturns and Exchange Policy
We want every Desirée Iyama piece to bring you joy and confidence. If something isn’t quite right, please see our return and exchange guidelines below:
• Returns are accepted within 3 days of purchase or delivery.
• Items must be in their original condition — unworn, unwashed, with tags intact, and no stains, tears, or damage.
• For in-store purchases, the tag must remain attached to be eligible for a return or exchange.
Exchanges:
• In-store: Exchanges are accepted within 3 days, provided the item is in its original state and the tag is still attached.
• Online: Exchanges may be possible only if the desired size or item is available at the time of request.
We strongly encourage customers to use the size guide provided and select their correct size when shopping.
For International Orders:
Customers are responsible for all return shipping fees, customs duties, and any applicable charges.
To start a return or exchange, please contact our customer care team at orders@desireeiyama.com with your order number and reason for the request.
Thank you for choosing Desirée Iyama — joyful, feminine, and boldly made for you.
Description
Inspired by the Canna flower which signifies pride, strength, and determination.
Calina is a feminine and fun dress crafted from Taffeta. Features a fitted bodice, back invisible zipper, sequined flower embroidery detailing at chest, and gathered puffy flare at hem, with back slit. The Calina is greatly insipred by our SS24 Canna Midi Dress, and our SS25 Lily Maxi Dress.
We generally use the UK sizing see Size Guide
Ready-To-Wear. Selected Colours Online.
Also Available at our Lagos Store.
At DESIRÉE IYAMA, we generally use UK sizing as a reference. However, we have created our own custom size guide to reflect the realistic woman’s body and the unique cuts and fabrics of our designs.
We are proudly size inclusive, offering sizes from UK 4 / US 0 through to UK 26 / US 22, ensuring that every woman can find pieces that reflect her style and celebrate her body.
For additional support, our team is available to assist with measurements, fit guidance, and styling advice, helping you select the best size for your chosen piece.
Care Information
We recommend reading each garment care instructions carefully before trying the below. We have prepared some useful tips and tricks on maintaining our product’s cleanliness and longevity without damaging the fabric.
Tips – Sunlight is a natural antibacterial agent. Leaving your clothes in the sun for a short time can have them smell as fresh as new. Avoid harsh detergents and bleach that can weaken delicate fibers. Use spot cleaner, If it’s only dirty in one teeny place, an exercise that spots cleaner.
Damask
Damask is a reversible, jacquard-patterned fabric, meaning that the pattern is woven into the fabric, instead of printed on it. The fabric’s design is created through the weaving technique, which is a combination of two different weaving techniques—the design is woven using a satin weave, while the background is achieved through a plain, twill, or sateen weave. Damask is woven using only a single warp thread and a single weft thread. The patterns of damask can be either multi-colored or single-colored. Damasks can be made from a variety of different textiles, including silk, linen, cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers, as rayon.
How To Wash Damask Fabrics
Products made from this fabric should be hand-washed or machine-washed using a delicate cycle with cool water and mild detergent.
For general cleaning, add detergent to a bucket of water, put in your product, swirl it around till it is fully soaked, and leave it to sit.
After a few minutes, empty out the detergent and rinse the item thoroughly in clean cold water a few times to remove the soap residue.
To dry, lay the garment on a cloth line and sundry.
How To Iron Damask Fabrics
Always use a pressing cloth between the iron and the damask fabric to prevent the snagging of the looser, floating threads.
Press on the wrong side to prevent flattening of the floating threads and only do a small touch-up on the other side.
Linen
Linen is a strong, lightweight fabric made from the flax plant. The word linen comes from the Latin name for flax, Linum usitatissimum. One of the most appreciated linen features is its durability. While linen is already soft and absorbent, with proper care, it becomes more so after each wash.
How To Wash Linen Fabrics – Machine Wash
Linen is machine-washable. If yours allows, choose the highest possible water level and the delicate cycle.
Do not overload the washing machine.
Overloading can result in the intertwining of the products with each other, twisting, and changing their original shape.
How To Wash Linen Fabrics – Hand Wash
Hand washing is best for thin linen fabrics, which could get damaged in the washing machine.
It is advised to choose soft, neutral detergents for delicate fabrics.
Use lots of water, as linen tends to absorb great amounts of it.
Rinse the linen carefully.
Do not twist, crumple, or rub the fabric hardly. It can result in damage.
Avoid detergents with bleach (i.e. chlorine, peroxide).
Do not put detergents directly on the fabric. Detergents must be fully rinsed after washing
How To Dry Linen Fabrics
Linen can be dried in a dryer at a low temperature, or allow linen pieces to dry out in the sun.
It will help to maintain fresh whiteness.
Do not overdry linen as it can weaken or shrink the fabric.
How To Iron Linen Fabrics
Iron linen while it’s still slightly damp.
Use medium or high temperatures and steam.
If needed, you can also spray some water on the fabric.
Iron is on the reverse side.
Silk
The strongest natural protein fiber composed mainly of Fibroin, silk is a shimmering textile known for its satin texture and famous for being a luxurious fabric. Silk is known for its shine and softness as a material. Silk is a natural fiber known for its luster, shine, strength, and durability. Silk has a beautiful drape and an absorbent nature.
How To Wash Silk Fabrics
Place your silk garment in cold water with a mild silk-friendly detergent.
Leave to soak (no more than 5 minutes).
Swirl the garment slowly and gently.
Rinse with fresh cold water, and ball your silk together to remove excess moisture (wringing your silk out will damage its fibres).
Then hang it on clotheslines to dry, and avoid using pegs. Most wrinkles in silk can simply be steamed out.
If you can’t steam the creases out then here are a few tips on how to safely iron your silk
How To Safely Iron Your Silk
Flip your garments inside out and set the iron to low heat (or the silk setting).
Iron silk only once it’s dry and be sure to put a cloth between the silk and the iron.
Do not spray or wet silk while ironing, you may get water stains.
Taffeta
Taffeta is a crisp, plain-woven fabric made most often from silk, taffeta fabric typically has a lustrous, shiny appearance. Taffeta is a fine, crisp, noisy woven fabric with a lustrous sheen that rustles when you walk! The word “taffeta” derives from the Persian word tafta, which means “glossy twist” and originally the fabric was woven with highly twisted silk fibers. It’s the highly twisted yarn that gives taffeta its characteristic crispness and these days taffeta can be found made from a variety of modern fibers such as nylon, viscose, polyester, acetate, or even a blend of these fibers.
How To Care For Tafeta Fabrics
Taffeta can be dry-cleaned, hand-washed or machine-washed.
Only use gentle detergent while washing.
Use cold water since hot water can cause dye bleeding.
Never twist or wring the fabric as this will damage its shape.
Do not hang the taffeta in direct sunlight. Instead, dry it in a well-ventilated area.
If you opt to press the fabric, keep the iron heat low. Do not use direct heat on the fabric.
Raw Silk
Raw silk is a firm lustrous fabric also known as Silk Noil. This is a slightly nubby fabric with random flecks in a natural, off-white colour. It has a somewhat rough texture and a gentle drape.
How To Wash Raw Silk
Raw Silk responds better to handwashing than dry cleaning.
Soak the silk garment in a basin filled with lukewarm water and several drops of mild liquid soap.
Rinse the garment in cool, clear water until all the soap has been flushed out of the garment.
Add water to the basin. Rinse the silk again in clear water.
Hang clothes to dry or lay flat.
Cotton
Cotton is primarily composed of cellulose, an insoluble organic compound crucial to plant structure, and is a soft and fluffy material. Cotton is a natural fiber derived from cotton plants. Cotton is very water absorbent, but it also dries quickly, which makes it highly moisture-wicking. The cotton plant needs lots of suns, a long period without frost, and a good amount of rain. You can wash cotton garments by hand or by machine.
How To Wash Cotton Fabrics
Cotton is susceptible to shrinking if you expose it to too much heat.
Use cold water to avoid shrinkage.
If your garment needs particular spot-cleaning attention, you can gently rub soap on marks, underarms, or necklines.
Before you toss your cotton pieces into the washing machine, you should treat them for stains, You don’t want to wash a stained item before treating it, or you risk setting the stain in more permanently.
Most laundry detergents work well on cotton.
if you have especially dirty items, you should consider a high-performance detergent.
Hang to dry somewhere out of direct sunlight.
Mikado
Mikado is a heavy, lustrous fabric with a beautiful drape that has a long history in bridal fabric. As a twill weave (meaning threads are woven over and under two or more threads at once), Mikado has a slight, diagonal grain that lends itself to a particularly smooth drape.
How To Wash For Mikado Fabrics
Mikado fabrics can be spot-cleaned with mild liquid detergent, warm water, and a soft, clean cloth.
Treat stains promptly. The longer a stain remains on the textile, the more difficult it will be to remove.
Never use heat to clean textiles. Heat can set stains.
Do not use agents containing bleach. These agents may cause discoloration over time.
Shipping and Delivery Policy
We are delighted to offer worldwide shipping through our trusted logistics partners. Every order is carefully processed to ensure your Desirée Iyama pieces reach you in perfect condition. Please review our shipping and delivery guidelines below:
Order Processing and Dispatch
• Orders are usually shipped from our Lagos studio, but may also be dispatched from our international warehouses (e.g., London) depending on product availability.
• DHL is our primary logistics partner, though alternative carriers such as Royal Mail may be used for local dispatch. Shipping fees cover the full logistics journey, including bulk transfers and local delivery.
• Orders are processed within 3–5 business days (slightly longer during peak seasons).
Local Delivery (Lagos Only)
• Free citywide delivery.
• Typically delivered within 1–2 business days after processing.
International Shipping
• Available worldwide, with costs calculated at checkout.
• Delivery takes 3–10 business days on average, though customs may cause delays.
Customs and Duties
• Customers are responsible for any customs duties, taxes, or local charges not included at checkout.
Tracking & Support
• You’ll receive a tracking number once your order ships.
• For lost or delayed packages, contact orders@desireeiyama.com
Returns and Exchange Policy
We want every Desirée Iyama piece to bring you joy and confidence. If something isn’t quite right, please see our return and exchange guidelines below:
• Returns are accepted within 3 days of purchase or delivery.
• Items must be in their original condition — unworn, unwashed, with tags intact, and no stains, tears, or damage.
• For in-store purchases, the tag must remain attached to be eligible for a return or exchange.
Exchanges:
• In-store: Exchanges are accepted within 3 days, provided the item is in its original state and the tag is still attached.
• Online: Exchanges may be possible only if the desired size or item is available at the time of request.
We strongly encourage customers to use the size guide provided and select their correct size when shopping.
For International Orders:
Customers are responsible for all return shipping fees, customs duties, and any applicable charges.
To start a return or exchange, please contact our customer care team at orders@desireeiyama.com with your order number and reason for the request.
Thank you for choosing Desirée Iyama — joyful, feminine, and boldly made for you.