Pleats: Yes Please!

Pleats, for many of us, will inevitably call to mind dull school uniforms in dreary shades of grey and depressingly un-flattering shapes. Personally, after leaving school, I was only too happy to get rid of every single pleated item I owned (all of them grey, dull and unflattering) at the earliest opportunity. But it seems that, this season, pleats are making a full blown, fashion come-back.
Only, thankfully, this time the pleats in question are not grey, regulation, to be worn at least three inches below the knee. These pleats are colourful, playful and very, very fashion friendly. It may just be time to forgive and forget the pleat’s past sartorial faux pas.

This spring, the humble pleat gives texture, depth and detail to colour block styles, as in this emerald green dress by Jil Sander. To be styled with bright accessories for maximum impact!

In a departure from last year’s tailored neon lace, the Christopher Kane spring collection also featured pleats a-plenty, including this cut-away fluoro pink number. Perfect for spring with a pair of your favourite ankle boots and a plain white tee.

However, some of the most memorable pleats of the season have to be those showcased on the Prada catwalk, keeping it modern with graphic patterning and fresh in sorbet shades:

Proving their versatility, pleats also come in softer, more romantic incarnations. From The Row- the Olsen twins luxury label- comes this blush coloured silk-georgette Eastlyn dress...

...and from Tibi comes this sweet, pistachio, silk-chiffon baby doll dress:

In softer offerings such as these, the pleating will serve the purpose of creating wonderful movement. Think Rose on the prow of the Titanic with the wind blowing through her hair; think Kathy searching the moors for Heathcliff; think love-struck Juliet on her balcony in the evening breeze. Your very own heroine dress, guaranteed to billow out behind you in an infinitely satisfying fashion. And for me, that’s more than enough reason to wholeheartedly welcome back pleats!


Aisha


www.trisori.com

London Fashion Week's Fashionable Fixes; Fit for a Duchess.

This London Fashion Week, the 90's comeback has been in full swing,  but Emilia Wickstead, up and coming designer, with clients that include Kate Middleton and Samantha Cameron took a refreshing Feminine angle to her new line. Emilia has created a collection that exemplifies a stylish yet elegant woman's fashionable fixes, with exuberant neutral colours that support a range of skin tone - making it perfect for us mere mortals as well. Feasting my eyes on Emilia's designs for next season, I've picked a few looks that would have the duchess's complete approval as well as mine! 

A demure, white, short suit, is both designer-chic and high-street. Because of it's simplicity it can be accessorised with statement heels or bold jewelry but is interesting enough to be worn on it's own due to it's a-line jacket. You can rest assured that in this outfit, the Duchess will envy your style.

Pretty in pleats; Emilia has designed a pleated, yellow dress that can be worn in the office but wouldn't look out of place at an Easter brunch either. This sophisticated cut is great for any age as it hides all manner of sins.

Unlike the pleated dress above, this playsuit, with its fun design and hip skimming length compliments a diverse shape of bodies. Out of the entire collection in Emilia's look-book this little number is my fave; it's sexy, fun and chic. Best worn teamed with a pair of  this seasons Manolo heals, I especially like the Permin heal from his glamorous fall collection.