Pleats Please! Shop 10 Of The Prettiest Pieces

pleats-issey-miyake

by Danielle Fowler |
Published on

It feels like yesterday but it’s been 22 years since Japanese designer Issey Miyake worked his sartorial magic and introduced the world to the wonders of the pleat. With his brand ‘Pleats Please’, Miyake changed the garment game forever as he gave us fuss-free (AKA iron-free) fashion.

pleats-issey-miyake
Issey Miyake, 1993 ©Getty

Sourcing inspiration from a commission by the Frankfurt Ballet, Miyake created micro pleats that were malleable yet structured. And this very technique went on to inspire Altuzarra and Proenza Schouler for Spring 2016.

pleats-issey-miyake
Proenza Schouler, Spring 2016 ©Getty

And with the resurgence of our other nineties go-to’s, i.e. the choker and the slip dress, what better than to welcome back the greatest smart-casual sartorial tool there ever was? Pleats.

pleats-issey-miyake
Solange Knowles donned pleats to the Costume Institute Gala - 'Manus x Machina: Fashion in the Age of Technology' ©Rex

The pretty (and equally clever) cut is permeating our high street predominantly in the form of the culotte - see Topshop, Zara and H&M as the major culprits.

You can also purchase pleats in the shape of slip dresses, skirts and cold-shoulder tops with the sartorial guidance of & Other Stories, Weekday and Mango.

Pleated Skirts

The pleated skirt is an oldie but sartorial goldie as it can be worked into an infinite number of looks. Pair with a pussy bow blouse or cold-shoulder top for day to night transition. Or add a simple tee and trainers for a paired back look.

pleats-issey-miyake

Pleated Culottes

The awkward length is back and undoubtedly cooler than ever. Bag yourself a pair of silky, pleated culottes and pair with a tie-knot shirt and Gucci-esque loafers.

pleats-issey-miyake

Pleated Tops

Channel the cold-shoulder trend, coveted by none other than the Duchess of Cambridge, in a subtle pleat. Or opt for a pleated turtleneck designed by the genius himself, Issey Miyake. Simply pair with tailored trousers and backless loafers.

pleats-issey-miyake

Shop the summer perennial in the gallery below for pleats that would make Issey Miyake proud:

Gallery

Pleats - Grazia

pleats-issey-miyake1 of 10

pleats-issey-miyake

Pleats Please By Issey Miyake Funnel-Neck Top, £150, Matches

pleats-issey-miyake2 of 10

pleats-issey-miyake

Pink Pleated Bomber, £25.99, Zara

pleats-issey-miyake3 of 10

pleats-issey-miyake

Pink Pleated Trousers, £22.99, Zara

pleats-issey-miyake4 of 10

pleats-issey-miyake

Cream Pleated Trousers, £32, Topshop

pleats-issey-miyake5 of 10

pleats-issey-miyake

Pleats Please By Issey Miyake Pleated Trousers, £185, Matches

pleats-issey-miyake6 of 10

pleats-issey-miyake

Athleisure-Inspired Striped Mini Skirt By MGSM, £114, Matches

pleats-issey-miyake7 of 10

pleats-issey-miyake

White Pleated Shirt By CO, £409, Net-A-Porter

pleats-issey-miyake8 of 10

pleats-issey-miyake

Pleated Bag, £25, Weekday

pleats-issey-miyake9 of 10

pleats-issey-miyake

Christopher Kane Metallic Pleated Skirt, £595, Matches

pleats-issey-miyake10 of 10

pleats-issey-miyake

Striped Pleated Dress By Topshop, £57.27, Nordstrom

READ MORE: What To Wear To Your Own Engagement Party

READ MORE: Achieve Bed-To-Office Chic With 10 Pyjama Style Tops

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us