One of the trends I really like for this season are pleats because they show the feminine and romantic touches of woman. The soft and flowing silhouettes from 50’s and 20’s were inspiration for a new style featuring the use of pleats for 2012 season.
Even though this is a trend that is coming back now, we can expect this presence for a longer period of time. Last year there was an exhibition organized by the Musée Galliera in Paris to the memory of great Madame Grès (1903-1993), well known for her feminine iconic pleated styles. She was a real artist saying : “I wanted to be a sculptor. For me, it’s the same thing to work the fabric or the stone” . And I must say she had the point, pleated fabrics are truly like a peace of art.
Lightweight silk and sheer fabrics with flowing pleats from knife to box are major trend for this season and it is all about movement in dresses, skirts and blouses. We can see very wide diversity of different styles and inspirations, like 20’s for Ralph Raulen. 50’s were inspiration to Prada creating high-wasted pleated skirts in pastels, using as well pleated leather and a color-block effect. But one thing we definitely don't want is for the pleats to be too short or you can come across looking like a school girl. Knee and maxi length show a sophisticated and elegant woman. Pleats can look casual like Burberry and Chloe showed us or very glamorous like Gucci, Lanvin and Oscar de la Renta did. One of the youngest designers that we admire a lot Prabal Gurung has also been using pleats, matching them with pants or lace shirts in his recognized purple colours. Duo Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi (whose work I adore) through their inspiration of renaissance, architectural columns and capitals have made such a interesting combination of soft pleats and renaissance ornaments.
.
One thing you have to be careful with this style is that it can make you look bigger than you are, but this is not problem for slender ladies and high heels or wedges will make your figure appear slimmer.
I like those pleated skirts, especially in pastel colors and they should be wore with a contoured form fitted shirt.
Besides looking sophisticated and elegant one of the advantage of these style is the fact that they comfortable. For spring and summer, pleats are very welcome in any occasion.
Until next time, Ladies.
XOXO,
Bella B for Las Bellas
