The Peter Pan Collar – one moment it’s almost unheard of, the next moment it’s all over the place like Pan’s unruly shadow. Believe it or not, this rounded, girlish collar did exist before Alexa Chung ever wore it, first making an appearance in the early 1900s and popping up throughout that same century.
You might look at this collar style and wonder why it doesn’t quite match up with the Disney version of Peter Pan’s ensemble (remember he wore more of a v-neck?). That’s because this collar gets its name from America’s first stage production of “Peter Pan,” in which Maude Adams played the title character (shown above). While this costume sent papers buzzing and launched the trend in America, it wasn’t the collar’s first appearance. In fact, it was popular in France about five years earlier. Typical.
Today, this style is popping up in collective fashion conscience, anywhere from celebrities, to street style blogs, to Pinterest boards, to Chanel’s fall 2012 couture collection. Whether you’re just now discovering it, or you’re already sick of it, this youthful trend is carrying on.
Do you love ‘em or do peter pan collars belong in never never land? Leave us a comment below!
WANT MORE?
Last week’s NOW & THEN: Women’s Olympic Fashions. JENESEQUA
Peter pan collar DIY. FaSHionRoLLa
A more detailed history of the peter pan collar. Slate
Author: Alexis Sargent Photo credits: Fashionising. Style.com. Free People Blog.
