Who do you know that has seen over 4 generations of women? The Le Louvre Pleated Model has supported women through black tie events, cocktail evenings.
Mothers of the Bride and Mothers of the Groom have raised their hands to praise the heavens for such a perfect dress for all manner of body types.
The Pleated Model, exclusive to Le Louvre, comes in an array of colours and made bespoke for each client.
Each dress is made to your measurements, cut in Melbourne and subsequently pleated in London. It then returns to Australia for the construction and final fittings, tailored to each lady.
Le Louvre’s Story
The Pleated Model was designed by Captain Molyneux in 1933 and the exclusive design was commandeered in Paris by Miss Lillian Wightman for her store boutique .
Our incredible Pleated Model has been recreated and reshaped for over 80 years.
It has served ladies, doyennes and royalty all over the world and across 4 generations for all this time. Many different colours and many different shapes.
It remains the only piece made on site at Le Louvre to this day.
Captain Molyneux: The Pleated Model’s creator
Captain Molyneux, the original creator of this extraordinary design opened his fashion house in 1919 and the designer quickly became known for an impeccably refined simplicity.
He was a leading British fashion designer whose salon in Paris drew the height of royalty, society and Hollywood until 1950.
Molyneux continued to grow his reach opening ateliers in Monte Carlo, London and Cannes.
Captain Edward Molyneux – talented designer of Le Louvre’s famed Pleated Model
Frowning on superfluous decoration, he regularly dressed European royals, including Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent. He was also in favour with trendsetting actresses like Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Gertrude Lawrence, Margaret Leighton, and Vivien Leigh. For someone who you may not have heard of before, he in fact trained and assisted in the careers of future couturiers including Christian Dior and Pierre Balmain.
“…The designer to whom a fashionable woman would turn if she wanted to be absolutely right without being utterly predictable in the Twenties and Thirties.”
Historian Caroline Milbank
Amelia Taylor, buyer at Le Louvre snapped in Egypt with the iconic piece.
Amelia Taylor in Le Louvre’s classic, enduring design the Pleated Model – for her wedding day.
Would you like to wear history?
Need a little extra care and attention? At Le Louvre we pride ourselves on the high quality and bespoke service we give our clients. Nothing is too difficult.
The Pleated Model requires 12 weeks to order bespoke – we also have a selection of completed styles for you to walk out with in just ONE fitting.
Make an appointment today to have a chat about how the this dress can transform your confidence for that special event.
Contact us today.
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- Cirtrus silk satin pleated model celebrating 70 years of the Pleated Model in 2004
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- Celebrating 80 years of our glorious Pleated Model. This hand painted piece from the early 1990s.
