Pleats play

Pleats can be executed in different styles. While Dior presented feminine flowy dresses, Givenchy layered them with volume as seen on singer Rihanna. Pic/AFP

Designer Amit Aggarwal presented a saree-drape inspired metallic gown with accordian pleats at the just-concluded India Couture Week

Metallic is the most common finish used by designers (Gucci, YSL, Ferragamo). Another way to add some glitz to your evening outfit is via sequins, like Jennifer Lawrence does. Pic/Getty

Add drama to a simple solid coloured saree with a pleated cape, like Sonam K Ahuja did. Pic/instagram.com/rheakapoor

Model Sara Sampaio in Elie Saab at the amfAR Gala at Cannes; Dior Fall/Winter 2018-19. Pic/Getty Images, AFP

Take a cue from Radhika Apte in a Label Ritu Kumar dress for a girl-next-door vibe. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

One of the most iconic celluloid moments of the 20th century, Marilyn Monroe's pleated, billowing "subway" dress from the film The Seven Year Itch sold for more than $5.6 million at an auction in California in 2011. Pic/Wikimedia

Amit Aggarwal

Expert speak
"Pleats have been an integral part of a woman's attire since the Victorian era. In the Indian context, the saree has always had pleats. It's not alien to any culture, which is also why we see it used repeatedly. Pleated trousers are a great fashion statement at the moment. Pleats can add shape to your body and also help you camouflage the area you don't want to draw attention to. A simple pleated skirt can add definition to your waist. Unless you are extremely skinny, I wouldn't recommend pleats on the shoulder as it's a little too '80s to wear it. It's a technique that is here to stay," says designer Amit Aggarwal.

Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates