Today, I’m going to give you ladies a little bit of a tutorial. Pleats are quite possibly one of the most versatile design features of a dress, especially with a wedding dress. I happen to love them. Whether you are referring to a few waistline pleats to help add in more volume, or a fully pleated skirt.. Either of which, sign me up. As a designer, especially a bridal designer, you have to be very aware of the possibilities of what pleats are capable of and all the different kinds. Box pleats, knife pleats, radiant pleats, I don’t really care.. just pleat it and give it to me! Pleats have the ability to add so much dimension to a gown, and really up the wow factor.
A box pleated skirt can really give you the mega-watt volume that will up a normal A-line skirt from ordinary to Hella-Amazing. The pleats add in so much more volume and keep it controlled around the waistline without adding bulk. I’ve heard brides say that on the hanger pleats make them look hippy.. Hello.. try that dress on give a little swish around the room. You’ll think again.
Next up, we have Knife pleats.. Knife pleats are not as commonly used. These pleats are all hand-made, and involve a lot of serious folding, pinning, tacking and patience. When finished, however, the look is unmistakable. These pleats can lengthen you.. even if you are only 4’9″.. then can add at least 3-4 inches visually.. Well, that and a pair of 4″ stilettos.. Yes, your feet will hurt, but deal with it! Pain is beauty~ Its your wedding, don’t you want to be beautiful?
Finally we have radiant pleats. Now, all the above mentioned pleats have been hand-made and the fabric is pressed into submission. Radiant pleats are actually machine-made. The fabric is processed, and heated, and sealed into a permanent pleated divine form that when finished, will have you screaming for more. These pleats, no matter what you do to them, will never fall out. They stay Crisp, Clear and Fabulous forever.
There are a million and one other kind of pleats that designers have been using for years.. but Not all of which are really “good” for a wedding dress situation. I’ve given you three examples of the kind of pleats that we use at Saison Blanche. So, now you’re looking for a dress, don’t shy away from a pleated confection of bridal goodness.. Try it on.. You’d be surprised how exciting and figure flattering they can be. Before long, you’ll be asking for pleats..
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