The Modern Pleat

This room in the Kips Bay Showhouse is full of uber traditional pleated details by Mario Buatta.

Usually when you think of pleats you conjure up images of fussy chintz sofas (see above and please don't hurt me Mr. Buatta), doilies, and lots and lots of passmenterie. Lately however, the idea of a pleat is modern, clean, and...trendy. I'm seeing them in upholstery as well as in the fashion world. While I've always been a fan of a cute pleated skirt, pleats are BACK in pants, too.

Massucco Warner Miller uses a pleated pillow in this cheery orange, blue and neutrals room. Modern but not cold--I like it.

Eileen Fisher has a line of dupioni silk home accents including these loosely pleated pillows.

I just know I'd have to run my fingers manically up and down this pillow. By Dransfield and Ross.

A pleated bed skirt is also another way to go! I love the way this looks here. By Marshall Watson.

This is the happiest little pleated pillow and doesn't have a super structured look but isn't fussy. From etsy shop TootieEstelle.

This pleat all the way up the arm ads a fussy/fresh detail to the chair. Henredon via Point Click Home.

Gap is pulling in outside designers (thank God) again and these pants in the window caught my eye on my power walk down to work. I know my friends would tear me down if I bought them so I'll stick to my regular khakis but these are quite fun! Alexander Wang designed for the Gap for $69.50.

I like the detailing, personally, but what do you guys think? I'm into the fresh modern take on something traditional--surprised?


Alicia B.

Will the Gap be back?

New York Times is speculating again if the Gap is going to make ANOTHER come back this fall. Apparently they've gotten a new set of designers who will whip the Gap back into the mainstream. I'm pretty excited as all the new looks are very reminiscent of my youth...the 90's and they look very "back to school."

Here is the article in the NY Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/21/fashion/21PATRICK.html?ref=style

My Fave quote from it is from the designer Patrick Robinson,

"Speaking honestly, when I was younger, I really wanted the fame thing,” he said. “It was part of the game of being a fashion designer. But that doesn’t turn me on anymore. What turns me on — my soul — is making cool clothes and being part of a company where I can actually see the difference I’m making. I’m not just spinning my wheels and getting the clothes into five stores in America.”

How real/soulful! Anyway take a look below at some of their new looks...

Orange and brown belted cardigan...Orange!

I think I had a dress like this in blue when I was 8. I think I'll get one again...

The article says Khaki is back again and as a boring preppy girl...I'M IN!

Cute gauzy window pane scarf

Alicia B.