What is Draping in Fashion?
Originating from the Old French word “draper” – adorn or to arrange – Draping in fashion refers to the technique of placing materials on a dress form (mannequin) or human body to assess the initial garment silhouette.
Draping requires an understanding of folding, stitching, and pinning fabric on a form to create a three-dimensional structure.
The art of Draping goes back to the ancient Greeks, who mastered the technique of Draping in robes, peplos, and chitons.
Draping in Haute Couture and Evening Wear
Draping is more prevalent among haute couture designers than other types of fashion designers.
By allowing the designers to play with the garment’s fluidity and volume, Draping is the go-to technique for high-end couture and opulent wear.
Draping in Ready-to-Wear
Not confined to Haute Couture creations, the technique of Draping is used in ready-to-wear fashion to adorn simple garments with unique details.
Draping in Avant-Garde
Avant-garde and innovative fashion designers use Draping to experiment with the garments’ shapes and structure in ways that would allow them to push the boundaries of traditional design.
Draping Vs. Flat Pattern Making
Draping provides a visual and tactile fashion-making experience that allows for real-time design modifications beneficial for complex creations such as haute couture or avant-garde fashion.
On the other hand, pattern making is a fashion design technique that uses precisely cut paper shapes applied over fabrics and textiles to aid the cutting process.
The Pattern Making technique is used in the creation of geometrically structured pieces like tailored suits.
What Are the Main Techniques and Tools in Draping
- Muslin Fabric – Thanks to its malleability, muslin is the most commonly used fabric for Draping.
- Dress Form – a wooden or plastic mannequin used as the body-shape base for Draping.
- Pins and Needles – to secure the fabric on the mannequin.
Who Are the Best Designers Known for Draping Skills?
- Madeleine Vionnet – Also known as the “Queen of the Bias Cut,” Vionnet revolutionized 20th-century fashion with her draped designs.
- Issey Miyake – A Japanese fashion designer acclaimed for his tech-infused approach to Draping.
Final Takeaways
Steeped in history and evolving through technological advancements and creative exploration, Draping remains an invaluable fashion design technique.
After years of managing hundreds of fashion brands from London's office of a global retailer, Mandy has ventured into freelancing. Connected with several fashion retailers and media platforms in the US, Australia, and the UK, Mandy uses her expertise to consult for emerging fashion brands create top-notch content as an editorial strategist for several online publications.
