Origami: Spring fashion and the art of Chinese paper folding

Try as I might, I’ve never been good at origami… and believe me, I’ve tried. Those little pieces of colored paper are clean little slates, waiting to be transformed into beautiful flowers, birds, fish, etc. The possibilities are endless, but the only thing I can turn a 4x4 sheet of paper into is a fortune teller—the kind you make in middle school to determine who you should take to the Sadie Hawkins dance. Even with my limited paper folding abilities though, I am able to speak confidently on your fortune for spring: origami pleated dresses are all the rage.

There’s something so pretty about fabric that’s tucked, layered, twirled and gathered. Pleats and ruffles make getting dressed seam [pun so very intended] so easy, and there’s nothing a gal loves more than looking like she doesn’t try.  Of course, there’s also the added femininity of these cuts that’s been a requirement in your spring wardrobe since your first pink and yellow rosette Easter dress. Fortunately, you can skip the bonnet and the bloomers now.

Spring dresses from Alice + Olivia, Ali Ro, Max and Cleo, Frock! by Tracy Reese and Plastic Island  are adopting the pleats, ruffles and rosettes that weaken my knees, but up the level of sophistication with chic strappy backs, short tulip skirts and delicately tailored waistlines. Oh, and an aside to legs: It’s time to come out of hibernation.


Brianne