Let's follow the history of the pleat, shall we? Come along on a trip through sound, time, and fabric. A Pleat: a type of fold formed by doubling fabric back on itself and the pressing the fold or securing the crease in place. Pleated garments have had a rich history--noted for their abilily to combine luxury with practicality for a pleated garment does not "crinkle" or ruin during travel.
At the turn of the contury, it was Mariano "Master Pleat" Fortuny who was the consumate pleater--reknowned for his diaphonous greco-roman inspired pleated gowns. Fortuny has served as the inspiration for many contemporary avant-garde contemporary designers who manufacture collections that promote technological fabric maniupaltions, most specifically Issey Miyake, who by 1999 had turned over all design responsibilities to Naoki Takizawa to focus entirely on research. In fact, Fortuny's pleating processes are still secret and not fully understood to this day (Below we have Mrs. Conde Nast in one of Fortuny's famous tea gowns).
In the seventies and eighties, pleating was picked up by Mary McFadden, who used the travel-worthy pleating to win over her wealthy jet-setty clientele. McFadden updated Fortuny's luxurious pleated draping with quilting, macrame, grosgrain binding and metallic lame'. McFadden herself was one of the orginal 54 glammazons and we hear is engaged (for the 12th time--take that Elizabeth Taylor!)
No stranger to re-interpretation, below is Alber Elbaz's take on the pleat. From the Spring 2005 collection, this saucy black silk pleated number retains the integrity of Fortuny's neo-classical lines but is modernized with brass grommets, dusty rose satin ribbon rear closure, and signature Lanvin. In a size 38 and available for $1000. It's as if Ms. Conde Nast came back to life, want dancing at the disco, fell down the stairs, got up, grabbed a cocktail, took a walk through the old MOMA garden's with the Picasso sculptures, and kissed a movie star under the
Water Lillies. Hey, stranger things . . .
Tweed is also a rugged & nubbly fabric woven from various woolen twills. And one of our all time fave choices for coats and suiting (see LV Coat below). Like this YSL tweed jacket. Accented with black quilted gauzey edging and zipper teeth trim, this wrap jacket with DIY belt tie just screams ole school chic. You know, cucumber sandwiches with the crust cut off. We just love 'em. In a size 34 and priced at $800. For further information or to purchase, please contact: thegang@decadestwo.com
. . . when you could sport this little Lanvin number? I mean really. If you're going to do the bomber meets windbreaker jacket, then this is CLEARLY the only acceptable one. Crafted with a tan silk, this Spring 2007 jacket also features a gemstone encrusted collar. Originally Retailed for $2750 and is available at D2 for $1200. For further information or to purchase, please contact: thegang@decadestwo.com
In the seventies and eighties, pleating was picked up by Mary McFadden, who used the travel-worthy pleating to win over her wealthy jet-setty clientele. McFadden updated Fortuny's luxurious pleated draping with quilting, macrame, grosgrain binding and metallic lame'. McFadden herself was one of the orginal 54 glammazons and we hear is engaged (for the 12th time--take that Elizabeth Taylor!)
No stranger to re-interpretation, below is Alber Elbaz's take on the pleat. From the Spring 2005 collection, this saucy black silk pleated number retains the integrity of Fortuny's neo-classical lines but is modernized with brass grommets, dusty rose satin ribbon rear closure, and signature Lanvin. In a size 38 and available for $1000. It's as if Ms. Conde Nast came back to life, want dancing at the disco, fell down the stairs, got up, grabbed a cocktail, took a walk through the old MOMA garden's with the Picasso sculptures, and kissed a movie star under the Water Lillies. Hey, stranger things . . .
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