THE MASTER PLEATER

A short history of the know-how

The master pleater, with his know-how and expertise, is the guardians of an age-old tradition. With its origins in regions such as Egypt and Italy, the craft of pleating has evolved into an art recognised and admired throughout the world. It was during the Renaissance that pleating really developed as a technique for manipulating fabric.

Master pleaters, often trained from a young age in specialised workshops or schools, fully master the art of manipulating fabrics. With ability and precision, they sculpt, fold, crease and shape fabric using specific techniques, often handed down from generation to generation. As time goes by, the craftsman applies themselves to pleating new materials such as leather, paper, or plastic. They initially sketch out their designs on paper before translating them on cardboard, the main tools used by pleaters, known as ‘looms’. The moulds are made from two planks of different cardboard. Once folded on itself like a fan, the loom is placed in an oven at between 85 and 100 degrees, allowing the material to adopt the desired shape.

The pleating technique can vary depending not only on the desired result, but also on the materials used. Each fold is carefully crafted by hand to create unique patterns and textures.

Over the centuries, the master pleater has become an extremely sought-after craftsman, valued by fashion designers, interior designers, and artists. His skills and talent are a true tribute to the history and beauty of textiles.

La Maison du Pli

Karen Grigorian has been giving life to fabrics and folds for almost 30 years. Maison du Pli was born in 2014 from the craftsman’s desire to open his own workshop and work on hundreds of looms that he designs and creates by hand. He is one of the last guardians of this 5,000-year-old know-how.