Draped Garments

The known draping of textiles over the body dates back to ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman times. This classical style preserved in stone statuary and images on pottery has influenced fashion through history. In contemporary times and very recently,  we can see this influence in gowns worn on the red carpet in California at the Oscars. The idea of wrapping the body in cloth is not limited to the Mediterranean nor Hollywood. Cultures in East Africa and the Indian subcontinent wrap and drape the body in fabric. 

Here are some examples of drapes garments. First is my own screen printed khanga. Worn in parts of Kenya, Congo and Uganda, the khanga often features political images and commentary as well as religious symbols and written taunts or blessings. The khanga, One might say has a similar function in society as the screen printed cotton T-shirt in the United States.

Next is the dhoti, a rectangular piece of cotton wrapped around the waist. Worn by men in regions of India, the dhoti may feature stripes and edge designs woven into the fabric. Cool and comfortable, this might become an ethnic fashion trend with the recently awarded Best Picture 2009.  

An evening gown, draped by Madame Gres seen in the Metropolitan museum is my third example for the concept of draping. This example is from 1965 and has the look of the Indian sari. The long fabric over an under-structure has the characteristic folds and pleats of the draped gowns for which Madame Gres is known.