Pretty Pleats

(Skirt and Blouse from Reem Acra Spring/Summer 2010)

I remember the time when I first started drawing a figure of a girl. I’m sure you remember too. Wasn’t too complicated. A circle for her head, a small upside-down triangle for her body, a bigger right-side-up triangle for her skirt and long ovals for hands and legs. Simple.

Then as I grew a little older, the triangles disappeared and were replaced by a more defined body shape. However, the skirt was still rendered to resemble the top of an umbrella. Most often than not gathered or pleated skirts. I think, the reason for this repeated offence is the dolls we used to play with. Most assuredly, they all came down the manufacturer’s assembly line in poufy skirts or pleated ones – the epitome of feminity!

This Spring/Summer 2010, designers have indulged in creating this feminine silhouette. Bursting out in pleats from the waist, designers pay tribute to the fashionista who knows what she wants and at the same time enjoys being a girl.

I love what Jason Wu did this season. What he did was give an edge to a simple pleated skirt by whacking a sunny colour and then teaming it with a striped T. Newsflash: You will find that the T-shirt has evolved from being a casual wear item to a comfortable blouse you can wear to work. Just take care that it doesn’t come with printed words. Leave t-shirts like that for the weekend.

3.1 Philip Lim did the pleated skirt in so many of his pieces in his S/S 2010 collection. A master craftsman, he weaved his pleated skirts with panels made from different fabrics and textures.

Ms. Prada always has tricks up her sleeves. Her sister collection, Miu Miu, boasted the pleated skirt with appliqué collars and sleeves. I love her collection for Miu Miu this season. Its pure genius and so unusual. Sleeves and collars mismatch yet create a perfect silhouette. The pleated skirt here is so sweet with tiny prints on a pastel background. I’d love to wear this ensemble to work.

Zac Posen’s collection this season was just bursting with colour. This pleated piece stayed true to the designer’s vision for you and me. What is spring/summer without colour? All winter everyone was stuck in the doldrums wearing black, brown, maroon even white. Its time to switch gears and just bolt out the door in the colours of flowers and sunshine! This piece is magical with its blocks of colour that just screams Summer!

So there you have it – my list of this season’s best pleated skirts and dresses. When I was about town (KL town I mean), some boutiques were carrying this season’s trend. You can walk into Colours Boutique for price-friendly pieces. However, you should click on the Shopping link on this blogsite to shop my Catherine D. pleated pieces. There’s more to come, so, keep a close watch. I won’t disappoint.