Star-Endorsed Style Craze Sweeps the Fashion World This Season
A style that constantly reinvents itself has marched back into the wardrobes of A-listers, this time with a sleeker, more contemporary edge.
If fashion has taught us anything, it’s that every trend eventually circles back—reborn, refreshed, and slightly reimagined, yet still echoing its original charm. One silhouette that refuses to fade into obscurity is the peplum. Characterised by its signature flared ruffle cinched at the waist of a dress or top, the peplum has resurfaced once more—refined, modernised, and wholeheartedly embraced by celebrities.
The reimagined version
Recently, actor Ashley Park stepped out in a shimmering lavender peplum dress, complete with a voluminous waist ruffle and a sculpted corset-style bodice.
Meanwhile, Ariana Grande gave the trend her own twist, dazzling in a glittery strapless pink number featuring an unexpected reverse peplum placed at the back. In India, the style is gaining renewed momentum as well—actor Triptii Dimri blended it seamlessly with the sheer trend, opting for a contemporary sharara-inspired ensemble with a corseted peplum top paired with transparent lace trousers.
The runways of 2025 echoed the same revival, offering a more polished, mature interpretation far removed from its early-2000s reputation. Designers such as Rina Dhaka, Tanieya Khanuja, Ashlyn, Bally, Alaïa, and Dries Van Notenreshaped the silhouette with crisp tailoring and updated proportions—seen across everything from structured blazers with gentle flares to breezy tops and coordinated sets.
Designer Rina Dhaka explains, “The peplum—rooted in Victorian dressmaking with its structured, flared form—experienced a resurgence in the 1990s through off-shoulder blouses and corset-inspired shapes. Today, innovations in horsehair crinoline and lightweight engineered fabrics like tulle and organza have propelled it into a futuristic trend. Designers are heightening its drama with oversized volumes, asymmetric lines, and eco-conscious materials, merging vintage charm with modern adaptability. Even our sustainable Spring ’26 line incorporated ready-to-wear versions of peplum influences.”
A glance into history
The peplum’s most notable modern peak came in the 2010s, when red-carpet regulars paired the coveted top with skinny jeans and bold statement jewelry. It graced runways by labels such as Lanvinand Jil Sander and was quickly adopted by mainstream fast-fashion brands.
But its roots run deeper. The silhouette first gained prominence in the late 1940s, immortalised in Christian Dior’s “New Look” of 1947—a design marked by a cinched waist and flared overskirt that created a timeless hourglass figure.
The 1980s brought yet another revival during the era of “power dressing.” This version embraced exaggeration: sharp blazers with padded shoulders, party dresses with dramatic flares, and hems that were often V-shaped or asymmetrical.
And long before these reinventions, the peplum can be traced back to the ancient Greek “peplos,” a tunic that flared at the waist, later enjoying a return to popularity in the 19th century.
How to style it effortlessly
Stylist Isha Bhansali offers practical advice, noting that the silhouette can be a bit complex for certain body types. “To make it appear more relaxed and less overwhelming, opt for deeper or solid hues and steer clear of busy prints. Pairing the outfit with heels helps elevate your height and naturally elongates your frame,” she explains.
For an easy-going daytime look, she recommends pairing a soft, airy peplum blouse with relaxed-fit denim and minimal jewellery. For those who love Indo-Western glamour, a corseted peplum teamed with shararas or sheer trousers delivers instant dramatic flair.
Source: Araba Sey
