Draping is the process of transforming a clothing design into a three-dimensional form.

The art of draping dates back to 3500 BCE, beginning with the Mesopotamians and
Ancient Egyptians. Greek fashion followed with the invention of draped silhouettes like
the chiton, peplos, chlamys and himation. The Etruscans and Ancient Romans invented
the toga, a length of fabric that wraps and drapes around the body.

Throughout the ages, clothing was categorized as either “fitted” or “draped.” A “fitted”
garment would be sewn together and worn close to body, in contrast to a “draped”
garment, such as a toga that doesn’t require sewing. In today’s fashion world, both fitted
and draped garments can be patterned using the draping process.

Draped dress by Paul Poiret

Draping has been the hallmark of several famous designers beginning with Madame
Grès, known as the “Queen of the Drape”. Her expertly draped and executed collection
of Grecian-inspired silk jersey dresses consumed over 70 yards of silk jersey each.
Madame Grès and French-born, American designer Pauline Trigère, were both known
for draping their designs directly on live models instead of dress forms.

Madeleine Vionnet, in contrast, chose to initially test her designs on a miniature

mannequin instead of on a full size form. Vionnet’s claim to fame is her mastery of the
“bias cut,” which resulted in the most sensual designs that are still a source of
inspiration to designers to this day.