RESURRECTING THE PEPLUM...
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...
Collections from top: Jason Wu ss12, Alexander McQueen ss12 and Givenchy ss12. Albino and McQueen - both pre-fall12. Bouchra Jarrar couture s12. Antonio Berardi and Celine pre-fall12. Photos from Style.com
KA-POW: 3.1 PHILLIP LIM...
2012 sees the final installment of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy and in the spirit of all things heroic it seems only right to reign in the comic book trend with a bit of covetable high fashion. Since I've never been able to master the whole invisibility thing and I only ever came close to levitation once, I'll settle on the title of costumed crime fighter. By definition this means I don't need an actual superpower... instead I can just carry around this little comic book clutch inside the clear pashli satchel and call it a day.
Plus, I'm thinking anything Ka-Pow themed could double as a Halloween costume. Am I planning too far ahead?
Featuring products from 3.1 Phillip Lim pre-fall collection. Images via Moda Operandi.
BLOGLOVIN - TWITTER - FACEBOOK - TUMBLR
Oooo, it's pre-fall 2012.
Ever since St John leaked their pre-fall collection at the beginning of November I've had my ipad glued to my hip, constantly checking the style.com app, waiting for the rest of the designers to reveal what's up their mid-season sleeve (after all it's the sneaky peek preamble to proper fall). Finally, much to my delight, the rest of pre-fall 2012 has started to trickle in. My favourite? Definitely Pringle of Scotland - although Burberry was a close second. Alistair Carr, who used to be at Balenciaga, has injected a more structured futuristic silhouette into the brand that was founded back in the late 19th century. While Pringle might be known predominately for their knits, it's the prints and genius layering that has won this girls heart. That and the shoes - which happen to feature a leather panel that can be taken on-and-off depending on your mood. It's the shoe that keeps on giving. Nice.
On a side note, there were some pretty strong similarities running through some of the other shows and Hanne Gaby Odiele in Michael Kors reminded me of how much I want these McQ printed trousers. Yumm. Must add it to my Christmas list pronto.
Images - Style.com
