STYLE : Fashion : It’s a Wrap

Wrapping the female form with fabric harks back to ancient Egypt, but the idea continues to fascinate contemporary designers. In the ‘70s, Giorgio di Sant’Angelo encircled the torso with gauzy stretch fabrics. In the ‘80s, Azzedine Alaia broke the body into a series of sections and, using his vast knowledge of European knits, swathed women in clothes as form-fitting as girdles.

Now Dolce & Gabbana uses a mystery matte cotton Lycra for dresses and separates each season. Herve Leger stitches together bands of rayon-viscose knit that have been dubbed “mummy dresses.� And Fernando Sanchez spirals ribbons of stretch lace around the body in a patchwork-patterned catsuit.

Despite the rise and fall of hemlines, it appears body-conscious dressing is here to stay.

Photographed by Neil Mackenzie Matthews; hair and makeup: Helen Jeffers / Cloutier; model: Frances Draper / Elite; accessories: this page: Jillery earrings and pendant, Susan Bennis Warren Edwards sandals; opposite: Marjorie Baer earrings, Asymmetry bracelet