Going with the fashion flow

MANILA, Philippines -Draping has come in and out of fashion since ancient Greece because it’s so elegant and ethereal.  Once people learned to make fabric, they wanted to avoid cutting it so they came up with different ways to drape the body.

In the 1930s, French designer Madeleine Vionnet found her inspiration in ancient statues, creating timeless and beautiful gowns that would not look out of place on a Greek frieze. She was queen of the bias cut, and produced evening dresses that fitted the body without excessive collaboration, resulting in a flowing and elegant line.  Her perfect draping of chiffon, silk, and Moroccan crepe created a marvelously sensual effect.

Today, draped designs are as fresh and contemporary as ever.  Lanvin’s doing it, Gary Bigeni is doing it, and gowns with high draped necklines ruled the runways last fall.  Even Taylor Swift made a celestial statement at the 2013 Grammy Awards in a gorgeous Greek goddess gown by designer J. Mendel.

Go with the fashion flow with beautifully draped dresses that make elegant statements at SM. Light, airy, simply cut and draped to perfection, each dress is made of weightless stretch tulle that flows seamlessly around the body, capturing the statuesque beauty, power and elegance of a goddess.

Perfect for elegant evenings or garden parties, these dresses vary in length and style, with gossamer sleeves or one-shoulder options. They flow with lovely color palettes of deep purple, pure white, delicate turquoise, sky blue, sunny yellow and warm coral. Loosen your hair a bit, lighten up on the makeup and wear with flats, sandals or high heels to complete the modern Grecian goddess look.

The latest draped dress collection is available at the SM Ladies’ Fashion section at SM Department Stores.

Fashion available at SM STORES

Photos by RAYMOND CELESTINO of Edge of Light