Pleating Collection

Victor Stiebel / Dress
A design by Victor Stiebel: fine, crystal pleating is used for the full stiffened skirt of this printed paper shantung reception dress. The skirt has a ruffled organza petticoat

Silver-tissue dress, 1660s (silk, lace & silver metal thread)
FMB329165 Silver-tissue dress, 1660s (silk, lace & silver metal thread) by English School, (17th century); Fashion Museum Bath; eFashion Museum Bath; Lent by the Vaughan Family Trust; English

Evening dress, 1800 (cotton muslin & glass beads)
FMB392382 Evening dress, 1800 (cotton muslin & glass beads) by English School, (19th century); Fashion Museum Bath; (add.info)

Rear view of a sack back dress, 1760s (brocaded silk)
FMB393627 Rear view of a sack back dress, 1760s (brocaded silk) by English School, (18th century); Fashion Museum Bath; (add.info)

Rear view of a sack back dress, 1750s (woven silk & silver metal thread)
FMB393626 Rear view of a sack back dress, 1750s (woven silk & silver metal thread) by English School, (18th century); Fashion Museum Bath; eFashion Museum Bath; Lent by Philip Smith; English

Pelisse, 1815 (soft twilled silk)
FMB329172 Pelisse, 1815 (soft twilled silk) by English School, (19th century); Fashion Museum Bath; (add.info.: a pelisse was a coat-like garment often made from sarsenet ; it could be worn indoors)

Back view of a court dress, 1760s (French silk & gold and coloured thread)
FMB393624 Back view of a court dress, 1760s (French silk & gold and coloured thread) by French School, (18th century); Fashion Museum Bath; (add.info)

Evening dress, 1800 (cotton muslin & glass beads)
FMB329177 Evening dress, 1800 (cotton muslin & glass beads) by English School, (19th century); Fashion Museum Bath; (add.info)

Evening dress, 1800 (cotton muslin & glass beads)
FMB392384 Evening dress, 1800 (cotton muslin & glass beads) by English School, (19th century); Fashion Museum Bath; (add.info)

Portrait of a Lady with a Bonnet, 1785 (oil on canvas)
5615450 Portrait of a Lady with a Bonnet, 1785 (oil on canvas) by Jahn, Jan (1739-1802); 59x42 cm; Narodni Galerie, Prague, Czech Republic; (add.info.: Jan Jakub Quirin Jahn)

Portrait of a Woman from Southern Germany, c. 1520-25 (oil on panel)
5672014 Portrait of a Woman from Southern Germany, c.1520-25 (oil on panel) by Holbein the Younger, Hans (1497/8-1543) (follower of); 45x34 cm; Mauritshuis, The Hague

Yellow brocaded open robe and petticoat, c. 1750 (silk)
940350 Yellow brocaded open robe and petticoat, c.1750 (silk) by English School, (18th century); Fashion Museum Bath; eFashion Museum Bath; English, out of copyright

SEWING A LAMPSHADE / 1930S
By pleating a strip of paper and sewing bright coloured wool through it, you can make an effective lampshade only costs a few pence. Date: 1930s

Three ladies in evening dresses by Paul Poiret and Beer
Three fashionable ladies in evening dresses. On the left, violet, gold and black with a pleated crepe de chine hem, and a large gold fan, by Paul Poiret

Purple Dress 1899
Purple dress with wrap-over bodice, 3/4 length sleeves, accordi on pleating on cuffs, yoke, sleeves & collar. Tunic simulated by the addition of broad lace panels. Date: 1899

Evening Frocks 1932
Dinner and Evening frocks: features to note include lace sleeves; bow detail and low back; cartridge pleating; cowl bodice and a taffeta coatee with unusual cuffs. Date: 1932

1765354; out of copyright

Two ladies in summer outfits by Martial et Armand
Two fashionable young ladies in summer outfits by Martial et Armand. On the left, a white crepe dress with red lace trimming

Young lady in grey and blue outfit by Bernard
A young lady standing on a golf course wearing a grey and blue three-piece outfit by Bernard. The skirt is pleated, and the blue top has a silver design on it. 1924

Two ladies in coats designed by Drecoll and Jenny
Two fashionable ladies wearing the latest coat designs. On the left, a woollen coat in grey, with pleating, buttons and fur trimming, and a gold-coloured pocket, by Drecoll

Two ladies in outfits by Philippe et Gaston and Bernard
Two fashionable young ladies wearing the latest outfits. On the left, a three-piece in pink crepe, decorated with silver details, by Philippe et Gaston

Two ladies in outfits by Drecoll and Molyneux
Two fashionable young ladies at the seaside in late summer outfits. On the left, a green leather jacket with white pleated crepe de chine skirt, by Drecoll

Three ladies in outfits by Jeanne Lanvin
Three fashionable young ladies wearing outfits by Jeanne Lanvin. On the left, a two-tone blue dress in lace and crepe de chine, with stitching in silver and red

Two young ladies in outfits by Drecoll and Jenny
Two fashionable young ladies in the latest winter outfits. On the left, a dress in black velvet and white crepe with white fur trimming, by Drecoll

Fashionable ladies in designer outfits
A group of fashionable ladies in outfits by various designers. From left to right: a green, red and white outfit by Madeleine et Madeleine, a white

Two ladies in outfits by Paul Poiret
Two fashionable ladies in outfits by Paul Poiret. On the left, an afternoon dress of black pleated tafetta with a blue collar

Fashionable lady in a dress by Beer
Fashionable young lady wearing a dress in black and grey crepe with blue detail at the waist, by Beer. 1924

Young lady in a dress designed by Anna
Fashionable young lady wearing a dress in mauve silk, with fine pleating, a velvet belt and two velvet bows at the hip, with matching cloche hat, by Anna. 1924

Young lady in autumn outfit by Premet
A fashionable young lady standing next to a chauffeur-driven car wearing a beige and brown autumn outfit by Premet. 1924

Three summer outfits by Jean Patou and Doucet
Three fashionable young ladies in summer outfits, at a garden party. On the left, a white organdy dress with blue ribbon trimmings and a colourful nosegay at the front, by Jean Patou

Two ladies in outfits by Bernard and Premet
Two fashionable young ladies wearing the latest autumn outfits, watching sailing boats go by. On the left, a dress in pink crepe with patterned trimmings

Two ladies in autumn outfits by Bernard and Premet
Two fashionable ladies out walking in their autumn outfits. On the left, a red crepe de chine dress with decorative pleating, by Bernard

Two ladies in dresses by Martial et Armand and Doeuillet
Two fashionable young ladies in the latest dresses. On the left, a sleeveless mauve dress in satin crepe with black and gold lace detail, by Martial et Armand

Three women in outfits by Premet, Bernard and Jenny
Three fashionable women wearing the latest outfits. On the left, a black and powder grey tailored suit trimmed with white crepe de chine, by Premet

Young lady in grey and white outfit by Paul Poiret
Young lady answering the door in a grey and white crepe outfit by Paul Poiret. The tunic has a pink and green design, and there is a matching green belt slung low on the hips. 1924

Ladies at a boat race in various summer outfits
A group of fashionable ladies watching a boat race, wearing a range of summer outfits. From left to right: a yellow dress with pleating by Jean Patou, a beige dress by Doeuillet

Young Victorian couple in their best clothes
A young Victorian couple pose for their photograph in the studio. They are wearing their best clothes, perhaps for a wedding. He wears a long coat, a waistcoat and a wing collar with tie

Victorian woman standing behind a rustic fence
A Victorian woman poses for her photograph in the studio, standing behind a rustic fence. She is wearing a stylish dress with pleating and velvet trimmings, a high collar, leather gloves

Victorian woman, head and shoulders portrait
Victorian woman in a head and shoulders portrait. She is wearing a dress with a high collar, horizontal pleating at the front, and frills at the shoulders

Costume / Girl C. 1890
Older girl in a tight fitting woollen dress, high necked front buttoning bodice, long sleeves with fullness & pleating at the shoulder & broderie Anglaise jabot

Twenties Slips
Pretty, short, low-waisted slips ornamented with lace, ruffle trim & pleating & panels & a fur trimmed housecoat or negligee in a bold geometric print

Negligees & Undies 1920S
Stylish negligees, pretty chemise & French knicker sets adorned with geometric trim, fine pleating & embroidery & a boudoir cap with chin-strap & tassel

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Pleating: An Artistic Journey Through Time and Fashion" Step into the world of pleating, where fabric transforms into exquisite works of art. From Victor Stiebel's iconic dress to the delicate silver-tissue dress from the 1660s, each piece tells a story of craftsmanship and elegance. Intricate folds dance across the silver-metal thread, creating a mesmerizing pattern on the 1660s silk and lace dress. The attention to detail is breathtaking as every pleat adds depth and texture to this timeless masterpiece. Travel forward in time to an evening dress from 1800, made with cotton muslin adorned with glass beads. Pleats cascade gracefully down its silhouette, capturing the essence of femininity and grace. This enchanting garment embodies both simplicity and sophistication. The rear view of a sack back dress from the 1760s showcases brocaded silk flowing effortlessly with every movement. The meticulously crafted pleats create an ethereal effect that transports us back to an era filled with opulence and grandeur. A pelisse from 1815 drapes softly in twilled silk, accentuating feminine curves while maintaining a sense of refinement. Pleating delicately embraces this garment, adding subtle charm that complements any occasion. The court dresses from the 1760s boast French silk interwoven with gold and colored threads. As we admire their regal beauty from behind, we witness how pleating enhances their majestic presence – a true symbol of power and prestige. Returning to an evening dress from 1800 made again with cotton muslin embellished by glass beads; it reminds us that even simple fabrics can be transformed into something extraordinary through skillful manipulation of pleats - truly showcasing fashion's ability for reinvention. As we delve deeper into history through portraits like "Portrait of a Lady with a Bonnet" (1785) or "Portrait of a Woman from Southern Germany" (c.