Much more fabulous in real life! This Italian stretch matelasse (puckered texture with backing) has stretch in the length only with great springback. "Melange" means "mixture"... there are a variety of natural and synthetic fibers in this cloth (probably poly,cotton,lycra). Wonderful stripey puckered texture in all black--more pronounced that the photo appears, with a ribbed stripe on the reverse! I recently offered this fabric in purple and black, and a photo is included below as it's easier to see the design. Textured surface, substantial weight, very fashion forward, versatile, modern! Make any form-fitting garment from a camisole to cardigan, to tunic to dress. Very flattering as the textures of these stretch plisse fabrics can camouflage imperfections! One of my favorite fabric types. Dry cleaning recommended.