This week, the VFG Fashion Parade looks at ruching, a Spring/Summer 2019 runway detail with deep vintage roots. The definition of ruching has evolved: Historically, it was a trim made by pleating bands of fabric and stitching the pleats in place. This band would then be used as a trim on a garment. We now use the term to refer to clothing with areas of fullness pulled in to form a rippled effect. This somewhat blurs ruching’s distinction from shirring and gathering. Whatever the definition, current designers have been rippling fabric for soft but curve-hugging clothes and draped accessories, especially reminiscent of looks from the 1930s, 40s, 50s, and 80s. Please join us for ruche hour as we gather to share a shirred thing in fashion!
On Etsy, an 80s strapless minidress with shirred dropwaist bodice and bubble skirt This 70s maxidress uses ruching to flatter the bust and soften the tummy area around the bejeweled diamond shape positioned at the solar plexus At magsrags.net, This 70s dress by Carlye uses pleating at the shoulders to suggest a strong shoulder ala 1940s, while creating a dramatic cape effect in back late 70s/early 80s Holly Harp, in neon pink silk jersey, with ruched shoulders, sleeves, and drapey bubble skirt Ruching and shirring used as trim detail, on this late 30s/early 40s taffeta party dress
1950s Blue Nylon Tricot Ruched Empire Nightgown with Floral Embroidered Lace - Size Small 1950s White Van Raalte Nylon Negligee with Ruched Embroidered Lace Bodice - Size Small
1950s Christian Dior Cocktail Party Dress Brown Silk Chiffon - M 1950s Yellow Nylon Party Prom Dress Size Medium 1960s Mini Dress Palazzo Pants Hostess Set Ensemble Purple- Ruched Collar 1950s Cotton Bathing Suit Red White and Blue - 32 - Small - Pin Up Girl From my sold archives - 1940s Taffeta and Black Velvet Ball Gown
50s Satin Gown Size Large with Mitts 50s Full Skirt Formal Size Medium 70s Black Sequin Disco Dress, Size Medium Edgy 80s Formal Dress Long in Back (you want ruching?) 80s Sleek Unique Formal
All pieces from my archives. 1930s velvet turban 1960s Dior chiffon hat Black lace Victorian bodice 1940s brocade purse with pearls 1980s Oscar De La Renta dress
In my Etsy shop: 80s asymmetrical party dress 50s coral dress From my sold files, a 60s silk dress and gloves Green ruched gloves 40s gown
1990s Scaasi Boutique Black Silk Cocktail Dress Saks Fifth Avenue My Vintage Clothes Line on Ruby Lane https://www.rubylane.com/shop/myvintageclothesline
From my sold archives 1950s Ceil Chapman cocktail dress 1950s Harry S. Epstein dress 1980s Anthony Muto coffin pleated dress
