I found this Issey Miyake pleated blouse at Value Village and couldn't leave it there. Miyake, one of the most innovative designers of the 20th century, developed new techniques in the late 1980s, lending efficiency to the production and care of pleated garments. My one reservation about his work is the fibre content: polyester. This synthetic material can be heat-set to retain its shape even after machine washing but leaves me wishing it were silk or cotton.
Mariano Fortuny developed pleating techniques for silk that have remained secret to this day. His stunning gowns still retain their shape after 100 years. As silk is a protein fibre like hair, you can use perming chemicals to create pleats as outlined in this link. This technique results in pleats that are only semi-permanent but nevertheless looks like a fun way to spend an afternoon. I hear that the National Ballet of Canada will be creating Fortuny-style gowns for an upcoming production... the secret revealed?
Mariano Fortuny developed pleating techniques for silk that have remained secret to this day. His stunning gowns still retain their shape after 100 years. As silk is a protein fibre like hair, you can use perming chemicals to create pleats as outlined in this link. This technique results in pleats that are only semi-permanent but nevertheless looks like a fun way to spend an afternoon. I hear that the National Ballet of Canada will be creating Fortuny-style gowns for an upcoming production... the secret revealed?
gorgeous blue pleats
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