Peplum: A Brief History

I love fashion and I love history.

So here you have it:

the history of one of the biggest trends 

from the Spring and Fall 2012 runways.

Peplum

It all began in Ancient Greece.  

Womens' tunics were folded back over themsevles in the middle,

 adding extra volume at the waist.  

The word peplum actually derives from the 

Greek word for a woman's tunic: peplos. 

Blah blah blah.

Fast forward to the twentieth century.

In the 1940's, peplums were all the rage as they created a 

clean silhouette that was both classy and feminine.

left: McCall Peplum Dress Pattern

photo courtesy of Tumblr

right: Vogue Peplum Dress Pattern

photo courtesy of Etsy

Peplums reemerged in the late 1980's and joined forces with 

shoulder pads to create bold jackets and dresses.

Vogue Peplum Dress Pattern

photo courtesy of Google

In fashion, history repeats itself, but always with a modern twist.  

The peplum of 2012 is both sassy and classy!

Spring 2012


Cushnie et Ochs

Giorgio Armani

Jason Wu

Nina Ricci / J.Crew

Fall 2012


Elie Tahari / Lela Rose

Nanette Lepore / Elizabeth & James

Peter Som

Reem Acra / Tory Burch 

The peplum is also figure-flattering and subtly sexy; 

it accentuates the waist while adding volume to the hips, 

a sign of beauty and fertility.  

Sir Mix-A-Lot knew what he was talking about!