Six Basic Steps of Draping

Draping is the art of creating a garment by arranging the fabric around a dress. This is usually done by using the fabric’s natural fall. For the uninitiated, draping involves techniques like pleating and gathering to create a dramatic effect. However, to master this art one needs to understand the basics. To help you go through this process, here are six basic steps for draping to get you started:

Prepping: 

The first step is to have accurate measurements of the garment. Next, ensure to mark the centre line of the dress by using a tape. This helps to keep the draping even across the dress.

Sketch: 

Preparing a sketch of your garment always helps in designing. But, in this form it gives you a clear idea about how you need to go about the drape. Here, your sketch will help you understand how to best manipulate the fabric in order to get the dramatic effect.  

Muslin: 

This fabric is flexible in its thickness and volume. Thus, giving you a chance to experiment and play around as you desire.

Pinning: 

Pinning is a process in which you pull the folds of the fabric together to create the draping design. Pinning will give you a good idea of how the garment will look after completion.

Basting the Fabric: 

Once you are finished with draping and pinning, the next step is to baste the fabric. Here, you can either sew the fabric to the foundation piece or you can sew the fabric itself to complete the draping process.

Trimming: 

The last step is common across designing techniques. Trim off any excess fabrics that may remain after you are finished with draping. The raw edges of your draping should always be hidden neatly in the seams.

  

Each of the above steps are designed to help make the process of draping easier and develop your draping skills. Another thing that can help you refine your draping skills is a fashion school like Whistling Woods International- Neeta Lulla School of Fashion. Here you can explore various aspects of draping and many other crucial techniques used in fashion designing.

The Rise of E-commerce in Fashion

World’s biggest national and international fashion brands are venturing into e-commerce. In 2014, about 40 million consumers shopped online in India. This number is anticipated to go up to 65 million in 2015.

A decade ago no one anticipated that e-commerce would rise to such an extent. Today, e-commerce has not only evolved, but has also opened up many doors -- from creating new ways of shopping to providing an established platform for young designers to showcase their talent.

Flipkart

 The other trend that is seen recently, is the rise in e-commerce mobile apps. In fact, it is reported that leading portals like Myntra and Flipkart will eventually become mobile app-only stores.

Myntra

This trend of mobile apps in e-commerce is just the beginning. Both Myntra and Flipkart have witnessed that customers have started to prefer mobile apps than shopping through laptops and computers. In fact, this trend is said to be followed by over 70% of the customers in India in the coming years.

A Fashion Genius: Ritu Kumar

Fashion designing as a career has bloomed in the recent years and the credit for this goes to the innovative designers, who has laid down a strong foundation and continue to contribute to the growth of the fashion industry. One such name is Ritu Kumar, now, there is no need for any elaborate introduction her name says it all. Anyone with a slighr inclination towards the fashion industry know Ritu Kumar. But yet, here we are, tracing Ritu Kumar’s journey of more than two decades of not only belonging, but also being one of the major contributors and builder of the fashion industry in India.

Besides being one of the leading fashion designer Ritu Kumar, with the brand name ‘Ritu’ introduced the concept of ‘boutique' culture in India. She is recognized for her unique style in which she has artfully blended the ancient traditions of Indian craftsmanship with contemporary sensitivity. Using her background in art history and museology, she has enriched her creations. Ritu created a new class of fashion because of her understanding of ancient designs and how to mould this art form in a way that would appeal the modern times.

A native of Delhi, Ritu Kumar was born on 11^th November, 1944 in Amritsar, Punjab. In 1964, she graduated from Lady Irwin College and completed her higher education in 1966, from Briarcliff College, New York. Ritu did not start with a bang but modestly in a small village near Kolkata, with a set of hand blocks printers and two tables. The determined designer, from a little village in Kolkata, she took her business to  such heights that today she has more than 35 stores across the country.  

In 1999, Ritu published a book called “Costumes and Textiles of Royal India” in which she chronicled the history of textiles and art design in India. Two years later, in 2002, Ritu launched her label called ‘Ritu’ and hence started the ‘boutique’ system in India. Her label pushed away the norms and made the traditional Indian aesthetic adaptable not only to the new Indian generation, but her work was also appreciated in the international market. Though the label is created for the new generation, it has an uniqueness to them and a sense of sophistication that screams heritage and elegance.

Over the years, Ritu Kumar has developed quite a fan following and of course patrons. Among the list of patrons of Ritu Kumar are, Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta, Dia Mirza and a whole lot of other popular names make this list. Ritu’s talent is not limited by boundaries and is patronized by international names like Princess Diana, Mischa Barton and Anoushka Shankar. 

Ritu Kumar has done thousands of Fashion Week, every time making something new walk on the ramp. Her aesthetic style and the knowledge and use of Indian textile has created a one of a kind signature look for Ritu that is next to impossible to replicate.

Lastly, Ritu has been on the receiving end of numerous awards, such as the ‘Indria Gandhi Priyadarshini Award’, the French have awarded her ‘Chevalier des arts et des lettres’ ’ and most recently in 2013, she became the recipient of the ‘Padma Shri Award’ for her exceptional and distinguished service in the field of fashion, textile and craftsmanship.

More musings from the Lakme Fashion week

The Lakme Fashion Week 2014 witnessed some of the best talent take to the ramp. Designers exhibited their finest work which fashion lovers gushed over. From big shot names like Neeta Lulla, Manish Malhotra, Anita Dongre and Krishna Mehta to budding designers, everyone weighed in and attempted to redefine summer fashion.   

   Anju Modi

Anju Modi created a collection of sheer elegance with delicate feminine touches in ‘Seeking Paradise’.  Intricate embellishments were inspired by the Utopian paradise and the hues of gentle powder blue, blush, soft cream and fresh coral added aesthetic grace to the collection.

Nishka Lulla

Inspired by earthy elements, the delicate flowers, soft snow and rough grounds, Nishka Lulla, left the audience stunned with her collection. Pristine whites, sky blues and dull roses were her palette. The models glided along the runway with easy flowing skirts and trousers paired with crop tops and sheer organza tunics. There was a hint of sparkle and jumpsuits with embroidery enhanced the beauty of her collection. 

Junelia Aguiar

Junelia Aguiar debuted with her collection named ‘Constructed’ which aimed at being perfect for any occasion from Red Carpet, stylish office wear to chic nightclub. Colors ranging from dusky grey, foggy white, deep black, plum with softer tones like salmon pink, mint blue and a tinge of metallic gold and red were employed by the budding designer. Clean cut silhouettes in lace, crepe, satin, silk taffeta, silk organza were skillfully embellished with 3D organza beads, Swarovski crystals, pearls and glass beaded embroidery. The show stopper Diana Penty walked down the ramp in a fairytale inspired black and white, off-shoulder gown with crystal work at the waist. It would be appear that Junelia has constructed an extremely beautiful collection.  

   

Liitle Shilpa

‘Vesper Bloom’ is a nocturnal discourse by Liitle Shilpa. The screening of a promo had the audience curious regarding the inspiration behind her work. Over the top headgear and accessories distorted one’s illusions and perspective. The collection had a melancholic feel to it that seems to have developed form dark fantasies. Models walked in an abrupt and odd manner, revealing themselves with the flash of torch. The silhouettes remained pitch black and the models wore headgear, neckpieces and brooches that were a creative merger of black lace, feathers, animal’s hair, fringes, layers of net and foliage. Oversized eye masks, an interpretation of the oxygen mask and big lips were also a highlight and to say it was unconventional would be stating the obvious!

Archana Kochhar

Archana Kochhar presented an impressive collection in a warm earthly colour palette of copper, red and brown. The bandanas and nose-to-ear nathnis on the models and elephant prints were the highlight of the collection. Also, a kurta with adorable moustache buttons, a saree with a sequined belt at the waist and a sheer lehenga with bright chevron print pants underneath were some of the ultra fashionable things that caught the eye.

Payal Khandwala

Intended for the daring, uninhibited, sensuous and elegant woman, Payal Khandwala’s collection “A Perfect Fit” drew inspiration from men’s wear. Her creations had feminine elements in its elaborate garment structure juxtaposed with fluidity in fabric; the collection consisted of statement separates and richly draped saris in a vivid color palette comprised of magenta, turquoise, indigo, yellow and white. Accessory designer MAWI collaborated with celebrated designer Gaurav Gupta to create magic with their collection ‘Memphire’. Memphire is a journey in time that leaps forward to an imagined Egypt, blanketed in mysticism of the future.

MAWI  & Gaurav Gupta

The week ended with a grand finale show by Rajesh Pratap Singh. His collection ‘Illusion’ displayed the contrast of day and night. It opened in light ethereal fabrics and fluid silhouettes and harder opaque fabrics trailed behind. Pastels and metallic yarns were in prefect concord with sheer glass weaves in black and midnight shades with highlights of shimmering silver. Stainless steel, paper aluminum, along with hand-woven and hand-spun khadi, silk and linen beautifully mingled on the runway. Kareena Kapoor soared down the ramp in a long sleeved V-neck, low back glittering black gown, bringing the curtains down on yet another spectacular fashion show. 

Rajesh Pratap Singh

The Lakme Fashion Show never fails to create a sense of wonder, and it was no different this time around!