Long time no see my little friend, A-Z Fashion Guide? Sorry, I’ve been a busy bee with other posts but it’s back! You seemed to like this series (I think…. :-/…), so I’m carrying it on! This is the 1st part of the ‘B’ section, so I guess we’ll just crack on, non?
A ‘Basque’ is basically the proper name for a ‘Peplum’. It means an additional piece of fabric almost like a mini skirt, which has been added to a dress, jacket or blouse. Some people get confused between it and a ‘drop waist’ but usually a ‘Basque’ will be completely separate (still joined) and the dress will ‘continue’ under the added ‘Peplum’. The origin of the word ‘Basque’ comes from France, and the actual ‘Basque’ on a skirt also comes from France, and the ‘Basque’ people were the first people to wear the style in the Victorian times. In the era of the Victorians, it was more like a fitted piece of clothing which waistline was past the hips.
This style was most commonly used in lingerie around that time in things like corsets, but now in more modern times it is most commonly found on dresses. The ‘Basque’ or ‘Peplum’ is a flattering shape as it sort of conceals part of your torso and waist which makes your top half look a lot longer and slimmer. I’m not the biggest fan of this style but I think the style will always be popular as it does make for a nice silhouette.
The best example of the ‘Basque’ I can find being used by a designer is from the Chanel A/W 2011 collection. It’s not what I call the nicest of collections, but it’s definitely a good representation of the style. In the collection, there is the classic Chanel jacket, with an added ‘Peplum’, decorative embellishments (more on Applique here!), and bright pops of colour (sorry, that phrase has to get in a post somewhere). Nice, just not my taste. I much prefer the SS14 Haute Couture collection… *love heart eyes emoji*
RIVER ISLAND DRESS//MISS SELFRIDGE TOP//ASOS DRESS
These are three pieces that I love featuring the ‘Basque’ style. I love how the River Island Dress has the 3D flowers, and the bright colours are just gorgeous. The added ‘Basque’ isn’t too obvious either, it makes the whole piece look a lot more structured… shame it’s a tad on the pricey side though… must definitely be worth it! Let’s talk about the top though… ohh yes! I’m not sure you can really have a ‘drop hem’ crop top, so I’m counting this. The print is dreamy, the style is dreamy, ohh just too much dreamy-ness! But, that white dress… YES! I love the cami style scuba neck, and the length… plus the fabric is embossed so it adds that whole extra dimension of sophistication. It’s not something I would usually go for, but I LOVE it! Love love love… well I love all 3 pieces and I wish I owned them all!
Click here to see the rest of the A-Z Fashion Guide!
