The Peter-Pan collar – is as youthful and innocent as it’s name suggests.
With rounded edges (that can meet or overlap or have a gap between them) the collar tends to be small and unobtrusive as well as close fitting. As there is no room to display the décolletage or cleavage when wearing such a collar, this distinctive design stands as a very modest design – which makes it a popular choice for school uniforms BUT a very debatable trend for a grown woman!
(Louis Vuitton – Giambatt Valli – DKNY)
However, the debate this season is seemingly won by the likes of fashion houses Channel the Louis Vuitton and Marni (as well as Giambatt Valli and DKNY – above) who have spilled the Peter Pan collar over into pop culture and merged it with the modern women.
Style Stars, by the likes of Agness Deyn, Alexa Chung, Hailee Steinfeld and Carey Mulligan are also wearing this Peter Pan collar, without any hint of a fashion faux-pas!
(Agness Deyn)
(Alexa Chung)
(Hailee Steinfeld)
(Carey Mulligan)
Now the collar has previously been a topic that raises eyebrows when worn by a grown woman because Peter Pan – a fictional fictional character who lives in Neverland in the novel of the same name, written by J.M. Barrie in the early 1900s – IS A MALE However, despite being named after a masculine character it is a very rare occasion that this collar is seen in male fashion collections! Instead it is associated strongly with feminine wear, primarily young girls (because of it’s classic, simple, covered look).
Evoking a fairytale sense of eternal youthfulness – perhaps it’s a catwalk alternative to botox!?
(Pixie Lott)
((Alexa Chung)
Either way, there is less of a taboo set around the collar and more of a D.I.Y vibe!
Since structurally, the Peter Pan collar is made from a separate piece of fabric, rather than a folded or cut part of the same piece of fabric used for the main body of the garment, it’s being picked up by many a handy sewer! The Peter Pan collar may also be a separate or detachable accessory worn around the neck – hinting on more of an accessory than apparel!
YouTube has amazing amounts of tutorial and guides to crafting your own F/W’11 must have lady-like-look and designers from Louis Vitton to Zara are showcasing the trend in their collections – so no matter what your budget, a Peter Pan collar is accessible!
(Michelle Williams)