Knowledge Draped in Fashion

There are different facets to Fashion Designing that a young aspiring should be aware about. From the smallest stitch to the correct shade, every step has to be thoroughly thought through. Draping is another important aspect of fashion designing that a designer should be familiar with. Draping is used by haute couture designer to bring the best out of their creations on the runway.

Draping can be described as the art of creating a dress or garment simply by arranging fabrics around a dress form using the natural fall of the fabric and techniques like pleating and gathering. 

            

It is also the process of positioning and pinning fabrics on a dress in order to develop the structure of a garment design. Using a design sketch, a garment can be draped in a certain way or designers can create new designs by playing with the way a fabric falls.

The process of draping involves sewing loosely hanging material to a garment to create a flowing look. When done correctly, the drape gives a dramatic effect to the overall look.  

Muslin fabric is generally used and once the designer is satisfied, final marks are made on the fabrics to show where it should be cut or sewn. These pieces are then traced on paper to make patterns thus becoming a guide for the final garment.

Sari is the best example of Indian Draping  

A lot factors have to considered, specially the fabric. The type and weight of a fabric can affect the drape of the garment. The most frequently used fabrics are chiffons, satins and silks but fabrics with light and flowing feel can also be used, rigid fabrics should be avoided. 

Hand Pleating, Pleating Pattern, Machine Pleating are some of the common techniques that are used for draping which create different effects. Though designers are experimenting and constantly creating something new.

        

                               

Whistling Woods Neeta Lulla School of Fashion, through their fashion programs are training fashion aspirant in various aspects of designing. The students have had a lesson in draping and have created draperies of the Kush era.

By the students of Whistling Woods Neeta Lulla School of Fashion

The benefits a designer can reap through draping is that it teaches one how to put together before creating a sketch, as also the art of perfecting draft and seams that will prove helpful in the long run.