Monday 25 July 2011

Why the peplum is set to be fashion's next big thing

For most women, the idea of adding inches to their hips is one that would fill them with horror. But it seems it is something they are going to have to get used to, as peplums have emerged as one of next season's hottest trends.Beyonce, Emma Stone and Liv Tyler are just a few of the stars to have stepped out in dresses with frills at the waist, as have Emma Watson, Nicole Kidman and Princess Beatrice.
And no wonder - peplums have been on countless catwalks, from Stella McCartney and Moschino to Giambattista Valli and Chanel Haute Couture.
Beyonce
Emma Stone at Friends with Benefits premiere in NY on 18/07
Liv Tyler

Peplum parade: Beyonce in London in Victoria Beckham in June (left), Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli in New York last week (centre) and Liv Tyler in Stella McCartney in May (right)
In fact, the look has not been so popular since the Eighties. But instead of shoulderpads and power suits, this year's take on the trend has a formal Fifties sensibility.

 
Luckily the A-list are giving us a heads-up on the look, not only showing us what to wear but how to wear it.
High necklines and fitted pencil skirts, as demonstrated by Beyonce and Elle Macpherson, both in Victoria Beckham, are de rigueur, with the absolute bare minimum of jewellery so that the dress can make the statement.
Fergie
Emma Watson
Nicole Kidman was spotted leaving the screening of her movie 'Snow Flower and The Secret Fan'

On trend: Fergie in Marc Jacobs at the Amfar gala in June (left), Emma Watson in Marchesa (centre) and Nicole Kidman in Elie Saab in New York earlier this month (right)


Hailee Steinfeld
Elle Macpherson
Princess Beatrice

Chic frills: Hailee Steinfeld in Miu Miu, Elle Macpherson in Victoria Beckham and Princess Beatrice
But there's no reason to shy away from bold hues - in fact it marries well with colour-blocking, this summer's big fashion story, as demonstrated beautifully by Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli at the New York premiere of Friends With Benefits, and Emma Watson in Marchesa at the MTV Movie Awards.
Nor should prints be avoided - particularly not polka dots, which were teamed with peplums on the runways of Marc Jacobs, as demonstrated by Fergie, and Stella McCartney, whose creations have been spotted on Liv Tyler.
And interesting texture, such as Hailee Steinfeld's shimmering Miu Miu frock, or Princess Beatrice's taupe leather details, lend a fresh, modern twist that sets the detail apart from its Eighties heyday.
BCBG Max Azria Rhea dress, $166.80, bloomingdales.com
BCBG Max Azria Rhea dress, $166.80, bloomingdales.com
Mara Hoffman printed peplum dress, $196, revolveclothing.com
Mara Hoffman printed peplum dress, $196, revolveclothing.com
Alice & Olivia Victoria dress, $264, shopbop.com
Alice & Olivia Victoria dress, $264, shopbop.com

But you don't have to wait until next season to get your hands on the look - there are plenty of peplum frocks dropping into store right now - whatever your budget.
Alice & Olivia has a number of styles, from super-simple to colour-blocking coral, as does BCBG Max Azria, which always excels when it comes to partywear.
Aqua's plays on the trend are almost sculptural, while the less brave should steer towards Mara Hoffman's florals, which will carry the look seamlessly from summer into autumn.

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