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Pleat Collection (#4)

"Pleat: An Artistic Journey Through Time and Fashion" Step into the world of pleats, where history and fashion intertwine to create timeless beauty

Background imagePleat Collection: Head of a bearded man with laurel wreath. 475-450 BC. Cyprio

Head of a bearded man with laurel wreath. 475-450 BC. Cyprio
Head from a statue of a bearded man with laurel wreath. Limestone. Sculpted in Cyprus between 475-450 BC. From the Sanctuary of Apollo at Idalion. British Museum. London. England. United Kingdom

Background imagePleat Collection: AFS woman in double-breasted greatcoat, WW2

AFS woman in double-breasted greatcoat, WW2
AFS woman in double-breasted greatcoat, beret, white scarf and armband (back view). Date: 1940s

Background imagePleat Collection: Advert for Gor-ray skirts 1948

Advert for Gor-ray skirts 1948
Gor-ray skirts one better! and no nonsense. 1948

Background imagePleat Collection: Advert for Gor-ray Koneray pleated skirts 1946

Advert for Gor-ray Koneray pleated skirts 1946
To account slendered. Figures always balance in this beautifully tailored Gor-ray skirt. Cleverly cut pleats subtract form the waistline and add to the charm

Background imagePleat Collection: Advert for Gor-ray Koneray pleated skirts 1947

Advert for Gor-ray Koneray pleated skirts 1947
To do you justice Gor-ray. You ll know the new Gor-ray skirt at a glance. Fine material, eight stylish pleatsine Gor-ray label, you can t mistake it. Date: 1947

Background imagePleat Collection: Woman with large hat and pleated skirt

Woman with large hat and pleated skirt
A woman wearing a large hat and pleated skirt, poses on a bench in a photographic studio Date: c. 1910

Background imagePleat Collection: Pleats being made at edge of wax paper case to seal in chicken and vegetables

Pleats being made at edge of wax paper case to seal in chicken and vegetables

Background imagePleat Collection: Saguaro cactus near Tucson, Arizona C013 / 5296

Saguaro cactus near Tucson, Arizona C013 / 5296
Saguaro cactus near Tucson, Arizona. Scientific name: Carnegiea gigantea

Background imagePleat Collection: Advert for Gor-ray Koneray pleated skirts 1942

Advert for Gor-ray Koneray pleated skirts 1942

Background imagePleat Collection: Three ladies in outfits by Jeanne Lanvin

Three ladies in outfits by Jeanne Lanvin
Three fashionable young ladies wearing outfits by Jeanne Lanvin. On the left, a two-tone blue dress in lace and crepe de chine, with stitching in silver and red

Background imagePleat Collection: Young lady in black dress by Jean Patou

Young lady in black dress by Jean Patou
Young lady wearing a black satin dress with open high collar and navy and grey patterned stripes in the pleats, by Jean Patou. 1924

Background imagePleat Collection: Stiebel / Nightdress

Stiebel / Nightdress
Fashion design by Victor Stiebel (1907-76) for a white chiffon night dress with small appliqued ecru lace bodice & full sun ray pleat skirt. Matching gown, quilted revers

Background imagePleat Collection: Pink Teagown 1899

Pink Teagown 1899
Pink teagown with watteau pleat, accodian pleated chiffon trimmed tunic, yoke & cuffs, black passementerie, accordian pleated under-skirt, high collar with a bow

Background imagePleat Collection: Pannier Skirts of 1868

Pannier Skirts of 1868
Pardessus with a Watteau pleat; pannier skirts & pleated or gathered flounces. Girl: over skirt & sleeveless bolero worn over a blue dress with horizontal stripes

Background imagePleat Collection: 1950S Smiling Girl

1950S Smiling Girl
A smiling model poses and shows off her legs wearing a sunray pleat skirt and chevron striped sleevelss top

Background imagePleat Collection: Golf Fashions 1927

Golf Fashions 1927
A golfing couple: the man wears plus-fours with matching socks and jumper; the lady wears a pencil-pleat skirt, striped jumper with large collar and tie and cloche hat

Background imagePleat Collection: Summer Frocks 1929

Summer Frocks 1929
Summer frocks: sleeveless & white with a central back pleat; princess line with long sleeves & pleated hem; box pleated skirt & collarless jacket with scallop edge




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"Pleat: An Artistic Journey Through Time and Fashion" Step into the world of pleats, where history and fashion intertwine to create timeless beauty. From a colossal statue of a goddess in the 2nd century AD to knitted bows adorning dresses in 1936, pleats have left their mark on art and style throughout the ages. In ancient Rome, even legionaries donned pleated garments as depicted in relief sculptures from the 2nd century AD. The intricate folds added an air of sophistication to their uniforms, just as they did for Roman citizens who wore togas. The craftsmanship of pleating reached its pinnacle with statues like Athena Parthenos at Pergamon, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail that went into creating these masterpieces. The god Pluto also bore witness to this artistry through a Roman sculpture from the 2nd century AD. Fast forward to the late 19th century when a dress made from silk, cotton, and wool showcased how pleats could elevate everyday fashion. This garment exemplified both elegance and practicality. Pleats continued their reign in fashion during the mid-20th century with Gor-ray Koneray's advert for pleated skirts in 1950. These skirts exuded femininity while offering comfort and movement - a perfect combination for modern women. But it wasn't just women's attire that embraced pleats; men too appreciated this sartorial technique. Head sculptures depicting devout men wearing laurel wreaths showcased how even facial features were enhanced by carefully crafted folds. Madam Morensi and Medori further demonstrated that anyone could indulge in this fashionable trend between 1855 and 1865. Their identities may be unknown today but their exquisite taste lives on through portraits capturing them adorned in beautifully draped fabrics. Whether gracing monumental statues or enhancing everyday wear, pleats have proven themselves as more than mere fabric folds – they are an art form.