FILTERS
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- Beaded Net
- Beaded Tulle
- Chiffon
- Crystal Mesh
- Crystal Organza
- Crystal Organza Print
- Crystal Satin
- Embroidery
- Glitter
- Glitter Stretch Jersey
- Glitter Tulle
- Hologram Jersey
- Hologram Sequin
- Jacquard
- Jersey
- Lace
- Luxe Lycra Jersey
- Lycra
- Matte Satin
- Metallic Crepe
- Metallic Jacquard
- Metallic Net
- Metallic Organza
- Metallic Shimmer
- Ombre Glitter Tulle
- Ombre Velvet Sequin
- Organza
- Organza Print
- Pleated Strech Lame
- Pleated Tulle
- Print Chiffon
- Print Mikado
- Print Satin
- Satin
- Satin Print
- Scuba
- Sequin
- Sequin Beading
- Sequin Glitter Stretch Jersey
- Sequin Tulle
- Shimmer Sequin
- Strech Shimmer Jersey
- Stretch Jersey
- Stretch Lame
- Stretch Net
- Stretch Print Tulle
- Stretch Satin
- Stretch Satin Jersey
- Stretch Shimmer Jersey
- Stretch Tulle
- Taffeta
- Triacetate
- Tulle
- Velvet
Prom Dresses
Rachel Allan Pleated Tulle Prom Dresses
Pleating tulle transforms sheer netting into a fabric with substance and character. The pleats trap air between their folds, giving the material visual weight without actual heft. Rachel Allan uses this technique to create gowns that appear substantial while remaining remarkably light on the body. Each pleat stands independently due to tulle's inherent stiffness, producing a textured surface that catches light along every ridge and valley. The result is dimensional shimmer without glitter, sparkle without sequins, just pure structural interaction with illumination.
Accordion Construction Benefits
Unlike pleats in woven fabrics that can flatten over time, tulle pleats maintain their shape indefinitely because the netting's open structure prevents compression memory. The pleats essentially reset themselves after being crushed or sat on, bouncing back to full height within moments. This resilience makes pleated tulle practical for all-night wear in ways that delicate fabrics aren't. The accordion texture also increases the fabric's surface area dramatically, so a single yard of pleated tulle creates more visual coverage than five yards of flat material.
Layering for Depth
Rachel Allan stacks pleated tulle in multiple layers with pleats running in different directions. Vertical pleats over horizontal ones create a grid effect that adds architectural complexity. Varying the pleat sizes between layers produces depth perception, where fine pleats in top layers contrast with wider pleats beneath. This stratification catches light at multiple levels simultaneously, creating the illusion of movement even when the dress is completely still. The transparency of tulle means every layer remains visible through the ones above it.
Movement Amplification
Pleated tulle doesn't just move, it amplifies motion. A simple turn makes the pleats fan and collapse in waves that ripple across the fabric. Walking creates a shimmer effect as individual pleats catch and release light in sequence. The lightness of tulle means the pleated sections float and drift rather than swinging heavily, giving these gowns an ethereal quality that denser fabrics cannot achieve. Every gesture translates into visible fabric response, making the dress feel alive and responsive to your movement.