I fell in love with draping when I was a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York (F.I.T.), I was doing a 3 year course in design room techniques. Many of my teacher had their own businesses and one have done their apprenticeships with designer like the great Mainbocher and Geoffrey Beene – I was in heaven and soaked it all up.
While I was there I learned about the art of draping directly onto the form (i.e. mannequin). Given that I specialise in wedding dresses and evening gowns, for me draping on the bias on top of structured bodice or inner corset you can create a ting of beauty. There’s a feeling of movement, fluidity and it helps sculpting the body with amazing flattering results. By using different fabrics you can create different effects, i.e. Taffeta and Duchess Satin looks a little bit more architectural and draping with Chiffon and fine Jersey looks finer and a bit more like a Greek goddess-effect.