In tailoring and dressmaking, the curved seams that allow a garment to fit closely to the body using panels rather than darts. A typical ‘princess style’ coat or dress is shaped from the centre of the shoulder to curve around the bodice, so creating a centre and two side panels. The same technique is also used to fit the back of the garment.
In interior furnishing, this method and design concept can be applied to intricate upholstery, lampshade and pelmet designs.