How I Designed My First Set and Draped Dresses Like a Pro

I draped dresses for the first time. I took a course and it was hands-down the best investment for my client closet service. I must have spent a quite of money putting together a typical client closet that never really screamed me. This shoot in particular pushed me to be better. It was a shoot of firsts. Let me take you through the journey.

I started with a concept. The concept: show off my new skills. But how? Should I stick with my usual clean white set-up or try my grey backdrop? Neither of these seemed like the right idea for these dresses. I needed something different.

As I looked into inspiration for set design, I remembered I had a beige backdrop I hadn't used in a while. How could I incorporate this new direction? I recalled a Socality event back in October that featured one set with boxes stacked with objects in an interesting arrangement. I knew I wanted something similar.

I started to experiment with my apple box and a few props I had lying around. Bit by bit, the set came together. And here it is, the final set-up which I am beyond excited to share!

Once this set came together, it was time to focus on the dresses. Draping was new to me. The dresses needed to flow and look good from all angles. While the process was simple, the real experiment was sculpting the body with raw fabric, creating movement while keeping things clean and elegant. The green fabric was the most challenging and less forgiving as it was thicker. Midway through the shoot, I decided to clip the back to create a mermaid shape, and I swear I screamed a little when I saw it. It looked amazing!

Don’t get me wrong—the maroon dress was a challenge when it came to doing a front drape. The length wasn’t quite long enough to cover the sides, but with the right posing and angles, you’d never know. It was all about experimenting and finding what worked, which made the process even more fun. To add to this already amazing shoot, we got published in Enzomnia Magazine!

Meet my new client closet! Not real dresses, but when draped…you wouldn’t know the difference. Luxe, elegant, and all about creating the perfect illusion. Who's ready to get styled?

Team Credits:

Photographer, Retoucher, Wardrobe Styling & Creative Director: @studionirvaani

Models: Tunjot Benipal @tunjotbee and Stella Dada @_st3lla

Hair and Makeup for Tunjot: Cheyenne Korban @cheyk_mua

Makeup for Stella: Rhythm Malhotra @artistrybyrhythm