Timeless at St Eustache, the pleated skirt continues to reinvent itself every season, sometimes short, sometimes long. But do you really know its origins?
THE BIRTH OF THE PLEATED SKIRT
The creation of the first pleated skirt is attributed to the Spanish designer Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo . But it was in France , in the 1920s , that the pleated skirt would experience a decisive turning point thanks to the designer Jean Patou . While the tennis player Suzanne Lenglen was looking for clothes that would allow her to be more comfortable in her movements , Jean Patou had the idea of making a white "sun pleated" skirt reaching to the knee.
Revolution, many tennis players adopted this new outfit. More than just a piece of clothing, the skirt represented an important element of women's emancipation , especially in the world of sport. No more conforming to the dictates imposed by this environment dominated mainly by men!
THE PLEATED SKIRT AT THE COUTURIERS
The pleated skirt will cross the decades and continue to reinvent itself. In 1947, it adorned the first fashion shows of Christian Dior and his Corolle collection, giving a wise and bourgeois image to the pleated skirt... For a time. In the 80s , the skirt became popular under the impetus of the Japanese designer Issey Miyake , undisputed master of pleating .
Then, it will be everywhere: short schoolgirl style with tartan patterns at Burberry ; very long at Gucci ; rock at Vivienne Westwood … it has hard earned its status as a “ wardrobe basic ”, managing to conquer all circles.
HOW TO WEAR A PLEATED SKIRT TODAY?
It is in midi version that we have mostly seen the pleated skirt in recent years, but all cuts are also trendy . No matter your style, you will inevitably find something to delight you with the multitude of materials and patterns offered by the brands: in denim, metallic, leather ...
So, you can wear it with a sweater , a t-shirt or even a crop top , all paired with a pretty pair of white sneakers , ballerinas , and even pumps , it's up to you!