Peplum Power-the VFG parade for the week of January 30th

Peplum Power

This week the VFG is all about the power of the peplum. Be it long or short, flared, poufed, pleated or ruffled, a peplum is a skirt-like addition to the lower bodice of a garment. Purely decorative in nature and designed to accentuate the waist, the peplos was first seen in 500 BC, and consisted of a large swath of cloth cinched, and then pulled up at the waist to create volume right around the hips.

We have Elizabeth I to thank for introducing the peplum as we know it today. Taking her inspiration from a mens' doublet, wearing a peplum served as the ultimate statement in feminine power-dressing, reinforcing the appearance of strength at a time when women were viewed as the "weaker sex".

Revived repeatedly throughout modern history with each era adding its own unique twist, the peplum's popularity surged post-WW2 when the fabric rationing mandate was lifted and Christian Dior unveiled his now-iconic "New Look" collection. This silhouette became the modern definition of a peplum. Peplums reigned supreme on the runways of the '80s and '90s as edgy designers like Thierry Mugler and Claude Montana pushed the proportions in more extreme directions, introducing wildly exaggerated and asymmetrical shapes.

Peplum fashions have been making another comeback having recently been sported by the Princess of Wales as well as Hollywood royalty on the Red Carpet at this year's Academy Awards.

This week the VFG says: Peplum to the People!

 

1980s does 1940s Floral Rayon Dress, Medium


1990s Ivory Crepe and Lace Blouse by Platinum, Medium Petite


1980s Carole Little Floral Rayon Maxi Dress, Medium


1947 Vogue Pattern 6105 - Misses Peplum Jacket and Skirt Suit

 

1940s Cold Rayon Floral Dress


1940s Metallic Black Rayon Dress


1940's Black Rayon Peplum Dress with Gold Sequins


1940s Black Rayon Ruffle Collar Peplum Dress


1940s Black Rayon Surplice Dress with Chemical Lace Trim

 

1980s Floral Dress Large, Vintage 80s does 40s Black Green Rayon Peplum Secretary Dress



XS 1950s Red Lace Peplum Dress, Spaghetti Strap Party Cocktail Mid Century Formal Dress,Built in Bra



1980s Floral Strapless Dress XS Vintage Cotton Black Chintz Peplum Prom Party Dress,80s Wedding Guest Dress



1940s Black Sequin Peplum Dress, XL Vintage Rayon Belted 40s Volup Pinup Dress



1930s Wine Velvet and Crepe Day Dress, Vintage M to L Cowl Neckline, Bishop Sleeves, Peplum, Old Hollywood Dress with Original Belt

 

Checked 40s Button Down Dress with Neck Tie, Front Peplum - XS


Victor Costa 80s Cotton Peplum Cocktail Dress with 3D Floral Appliqué - Small


80s Black and Gold Glam Rock Sheer Peplum Dress by Jean Leslie - Small/Medium


Late 40s - Early 50s Purple-Hued Sharkskin Cocktail Skirt Suit by Sacony - Small

 

Vintage 40s silky black velvet dress with peplum


Vintage 40s gray silk & wool suit with extreme peplum & crown cuffs


Vintage 30s deep purple velvet jacket with peplum




Vintage 40s taupe gabardine jacket with peplum and asymmetrical closure

Vintage 50s Lilli Ann navy wool jacket with asymmetrical peplum and fringed scarf

 

1980s peplum dress black velvet white satin bow XS
(will fit 32/26/33)


Backless black silk blouse 1970s ruffled peplum XS


1950s cocktail dress black wool beaded velvet trim on tiny peplum S-M
(will fit 38/28/5/38)

 

80s does 30s BLAKE ELIZABETH tan and blue floral chiffon dress with wide flutter collar/sleeves and peplum waist. Size 14 petite. Made in Taiwan ROC. Available in my Etsy and Poshmark shops.



LIZ ROBERTS black and white geometric print dress. Puffed sleeves, peplum waist and big bow trim. Size 1x. Circa 1980s. Made in Korea. Will be listed soon in my Etsy and Poshmark shops.



Butterick #3546 dress pattern. A JESSICA HOWARD design. Though it looks like a jacket and skirt combination, it's actually a peplum fronted dress. Sizes 12-14-16. Copyright 1994. Will be listed soon in my Poshmark and Etsy shops.



Simplicity pattern #9017. Easy to Sew peplum jacket and skirt set with big, puffed sleeves and shawl collar. Sizes 10-12-14. Copyright 1988. Will be listed soon in my Poshmark and Etsy shops.



This sweater is one of my all-time favorites from my SOLD archives. Something Heidi would wear, IMO.


Fashion Backward Shop on Etsy
Vintage clothing on Poshmark

 

1980s power suit pattern with a modified peplum.

 

80s Bill Blass Lace Illusion Dress - Fits Approx Size Medium or 6-8 US

 

Erin, I love your Bill Blass dress. Wishing you a quick sale!
Karen

 

Thanks! I hope so too. my little 7 year old was scandalized when I put it on. He thought I was totally nude under the lace. Haha.

 

VINTAGE 1970s Romantic Sheer Floral Lace Peplum Dress


VINTAGE 1970s Metallic Gold Lurex Peplum Dress



Favorite peplum looks from my sold archive-