Have a peplum

Among all spring/summer 2012 trends this one was impossible to miss. Peplums were everywhere. Just a bunch of designers resisted sending them down the runway.

It felt almost as if we got force fed with peplums. They were the answer to everything. Having a happy day? Have a peplum. Feeling flirty? Have a peplum. Feeling like you need to hide a few bumps? Oh, yes, have a peplum. Want a thinner looking waist? Definitely have a peplum. Channelling 1950s trend? Don’t forget the peplum.

I had a few problems with that. Just like in any situation the more somebody tries to convince me that something is that good to make it into a must-have list, the less I want it. My brain develops a fashion antihistamine to stop the trend allergy from developing. Beside, I couldn’t visualise myself in peplum.

A few months down the line I realised that, apart from the above mentioned intolerance, I somehow ended seeing most peplums as a part of a skirt. This is where I went wrong. While the peplum skirts and dresses didn’t agree with me, the tops and jackets were the perfect solution. Something black or white, cinched with a thin belt, worn with cigarette trousers, boyfriend jeans, tulip or full skirt. That felt very “me”.

What I’ve also learned is that there’s the right peplum shape for everyone – some may prefer just a hint of it (Giambattista Valli and Preen) while others will go for a very clean cut (think Celine and Cushnie et Ochs), an absolute fantasy (McQueen, Marchesa or Givenchy) or very “New Look” (Dior, Ermanno Scervino or Zac Posen)

One thing I am sure of is that this isn’t something I’d buy as an investment piece, so high street is the best place to search for my perfect peplum top. And yes, I am still looking for one.

Alexander McQueen * Marchesa * Givenchy

Ermanno Scervino * Jason Wu * Zac Posen

Cacharel * Paul Costelloe * Celine

Christian Dior * Giorgio Armani * Cushnie et Ochs

Badgley & Mischka * Vera Wang * Francesco Scognamiglio

Frankie Morello * Nina Ricci * Dries van Noten

Marni * Giambattista Valli * Preen

Do you or would you have a peplum in your life?

Photo sources: Marie Claire France February 2012, elle.com