In the Fold

By Betsy Kroll

Forget the free-flowing blouses and unstructured handbags that have dominated department-store shelves for months. The mood this summer is decidedly sharper, and designers are taking their inspiration from origami. At the Christian Dior haute couture show, models posed in intricately tucked, bowed and creased ensembles, while Italian design company Pallucco's complex Glow lamp could easily double for a paper crane. For a more loosely based interpretation, turn to MOMA Design Store's curvy leather caterpillar or Ligne Roset's angular Facett chair. Even Lalique has come into the fold with Vibration, a collection of crystal pieces inspired by the ancient Japanese art form.

1 A look from the spring 2007 Christian Dior haute couture show

2 Caterpillar Amigo leather desk accessory ($30, momastore.org

3 Bottega Veneta Blonde Origami Knot clutch ($1,380, bottegaveneta.com

4 Lalique Vibration Oblong vase ($2,295, lalique.com

5 Lilou Origami side table ($356, lilouestudio.com

6 Ligne Roset Facett dining chair by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec ($770, ligne-roset-usa.com

7 Pallucco Glow lamp ($850, design-supply.com