VCU Fashion Competition winner Front View

Zoë Pulley, a student of the VCUarts Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising created this pleated gown through a collaboration between the department's Design Theory and Illustration class and the Valentine Costume and Textile Collection. Inspired by pleating in the Greek Peplos gowns, Fortuny’s Delphos gown and Issey Miyake’s ‘Pleats Please’ collection, this piece won first prize in a competition sponsored by the Valentine and was worn to the exhibition opening by a VCU student model.

"The process began as an exploration of the evolution of pleats in relation to the female body. I wondered how all the landmarks in pleat history have utilized simplicity and shape to liberate the female form. This piece was created with an intention to emphasize the wearer, and create a look that balances a liberating, comfortable silhouette (pleated sheath) with an active element (wrist ties) that engages and restricts the wearer." - Zoë Pulley