Pleated fabric-Ciment Pleaters in London.

Last week, I was at a presentation by one of the last pleaters in the UK; F. Ciment Pleating LTD. I have previously been to their presentation last year, which I enjoyed also and was looking forward to it.

Terry was the speaker and introduced the patterns and fabric samples. I knew from the previous year what could be accomplished with pleating- as I agree it’s hard to see past your Nan’s pleated skirt-but there were some really amazing futuristic looking folds. I really enjoyed listening to his presentation and after, had a look at some of the samples he had brought. The pleats are created by hand folded patterns made out of card which the fabric is then placed into and put into a vapour machine. Its impressive to see how intricate the pleats are and that they are all handmade-one sample size piece of cardboard can take up to 80 hours to create.

Handmade cardboard pattern.

 

There was an amazing plastic material which appeared to have fabric inside it?! I asked about this and he showed me there were samples there made from everyday transparent plastic bags and from clear shower curtains, folded into amazing pleats. Then within the fabric was a piece of coloured fabric sealed in it, which when asked can be achieved at the pleaters. With the plastic fabric is a man-made material, it should hopefully keep the pleats in it. Terry said a good first test to see if your fabric would pleat is just to fold it with the iron-if it seems to hold you could look into sending it off to get pleated.

Shower curtain pleated with fabric inside it-How cool is that?!

 

 

If you haven’t heard of Ciment Pleaters; they are a company that has been running since 1925 and are one of the only pleaters left here in the UK due to China and other countries with cheaper labour. Originally they designed fabric for mainstream fashion departments such as M&S but now with business not being so busy they now delve in more of the theatrical designs and couture.

 

Ciment Pleating have also worked very closely with the royal family-and even designed Her Majesties helicopter skydive dress (and the real one!) at the opening of the 2012 London Olympics! They also receive orders from big fashion houses and designers and have designed Lady Gaga’s last world tour outfits, including the Born this way outfit off the video.

Lady Gaga's outfit made from the shower curtain and pleated.

 

Nowadays, they have been working with BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and even in Downton Abbey! Terry had commented if everyone had watched the final episode last night-as there was a garment within it-so I’m going to have to watch it back!

I know they are trying to sell the business but I sincerely hope they don’t close it, as it seems such a shame to close something that can earn and has been such an institution in this country. So next time you want to be inspired ,come and have a look at Ciment Pleating LTD. Their based in London-so support our countries working trade!

F.Ciment (Pleating) Ltd.
18a station close
Potters Bar
Herts EN6 1TL