In this week’s session, I demonstrated how to use the same folding and draping technique from the Brook dress with different fabric types to create varied silhouettes and designs. I showed how changing the fabric weight, placement of folds, and draping style can result in completely different looks using the same basic technique. This demo illustrated how one can develop an entire fashion collection by playing with a single draping method.
Demonstration Steps:
- Demonstrated the Brook dress draping technique using lightweight rayon jersey
- Showed how to adapt the technique to create a wrapped skirt design
- Used a firmer cotton brocade fabric to create a tulip skirt silhouette
- Experimented with asymmetrical folds to create avant-garde looks
- Used a heavier interlock knit fabric to show more structured draping options
- Played with various fold placements and draping styles to create different necklines and silhouettes
Questions & Answers:
- Q: Would you tack the corner hanging inside the skirt so it’s not flapping?
- A: Yes, you can tack it inside around the waist or have a little string inside or outside to play with it wherever you want.
- Q: Do you draw markings on the fabric just as the woven muslin and then make the pattern on paper?
- A: I use this as play, but I can mark it as is and transfer to paper for a jersey pattern. For non-stretch fabrics, you’d need to draft differently. Take notes and photos to document your design process.
This session was all about inspiring creativity by showing how versatile a single draping technique can be when applied to different fabrics and manipulated in various ways. It demonstrates how fashion designers can develop entire collections from one core concept.
