RESURRECTING THE PEPLUM...

STYLE

Jan 30

Oh, yes yes yes... the peplum has had its moment before. Back in the '40s and '50s Dior nipped in the waists of women in the peplum style. Famously, it came to be known as the 'New Look' - one that showed off the curves of the wearers body. So, suck in your waist ladies, bust out your boobies and flaunt what yo mama gave ya because this look is making a comeback. Err, actually, fear not, it was all still very demure.

Sixty years on and the peplum has once again popped up all over the catwalk. For Spring 2012 the emphasized waist made an appearance in a whole host of collections, including Givenchy, Celine, Kenzo and McQueen. It was, undoubtedly, the silhouette de jour.

It wasn't until recently (Albino pre-fall look #12 to be exact) that I fell for the shape. Sure it's gorgeous on the catwalk in all it's elaborate charm but when it moves to the real world it gets too girly... too foofy... too laaame. But pre-fall showed that it's a shape with longevity. It's like the peplum got in a fight in a school yard and came out tougher on the other side. Make it more boyish and it's capable of working in real life. Heck, Phoebe Philo's version is so roughed up it's barely recognizable. Pair with slouchy trousers or loose shorts (summer, yes you will one day come) for a simple, wearable and (gasssp, even) flattering shape.

If you're looking for something other than pastels to get excited about for spring then this, my friends, is it...