Mmm Peter Pan collars. Aren't they just delish? And paired with matching cuffs on a cute shift, make for the idyllic 60's dress.
I'm not sure how this trend started. Perhaps it was to replicate men's business shirts with the white collar and cuffs on a contrasting fabric? But with a cuter, sweeter edge.
Regardless, I'm smitten with this neat mod look and as such my next project is very much influenced by the following images.
If you haven't noticed yet, at the top left of my blog there is now a Current projects widget. I'll be updating this every time I start a new project, that way you can see what I'm up to! You can kinda see what I have planned already...
The look of the contrasting collar and cuffs has such a neat and pretty style, and was clearly very popular with Sears and JC Penny designers, as you can see below.
I can imagine the long sleeves and high necks were relief for all the mothers who didn't want to see their daughters in mini skirts!
But of course it was also typical to see this on the street, and Mary Quant and Foale and Tuffin also featured this look a few times.
Aren't they lovely? So many lovely versions can still be bought today like this one from ASOS
Ill be making my one out of Black Ponte De Roma double knit. My machines (and mine) favourite fabric
I'm well over fussy fabrics for the time being, no more chiffon or lurex for a while! I've got piles and piles of double knit and cottons to sew with. I love sewing with it as I feel like I'm actually in control, although admittedly chiffon is better at hiding boo-boos!
I've already cut and overcasted the pieces, hopefully it will be ready to show you this weekend.
Are you a fan of this look? Does the idea of white collars and cuffs make you moan on laundry day?
Cat xo
Personally no, I'm, not a fan of Peter Pan collars on me. Bit too little girly and twee on a 46 year old, but I'm happy to look and admire although it's the psychedelic frock with the stand-up collar that's doing it for me! x
ReplyDeletei suppose you're right. ill have to get it out of my system while i still can then! 27s not to old is it? eek!
DeleteOh yeah that pink dress is fab! Im glad that the other dresses didn't go unnoticed!
Nah! 27 is a mere babe and you totally rock them! xx
DeleteSo many wonderfull colors! If only....
ReplyDeleteI have wondered up on something a while, and maybe you can answer me? (you seem like you know your stuff!). Where do the words "mod" and "shift" come from?
hmm, well shift dresses i know have been called that because they "shift" over your body well. they usually are very minimal with little shaping. maybe a bust dart but otherwise an up-and-down type dress or A-Line almost.
DeleteAnd mod, well there is the mod subculture, which created the mod(ern) look - minimal, European style and new. And 'mod' the fashion style which was picked up by fashion editors and commercialized. I sometimes find some blogs and magazines separating mod into two categories. Mod the first wave as in boys on scooters, Northern Soul, simple outfits for girls etc. And mod the fashion trend - the stark black and white look, with big eyes and pale lips. I guess this dress will be the second option
I hope that sort of helps?
Oh I do love a Peter Pan collar, the first dress I ever made had one and I've got so many patterns that feature collars. I'm currently making a dress with matching collar and cuffs, great minds think alike ;)
ReplyDeleteoh we are sewing twins! We'll be the best dressed on the blogosphere. When you post yours ill link back to you!
DeleteSo much love for contrasting Peter Pan collars, can't wait to see your dress x
ReplyDeleteOh me too - their just so nice and pretty!
DeleteI love collars and cuffs, but not a Peter Pan one son me o much. Mostly because they require a higher neck which usually empasises my enormous booboids-not a very 60's look at all! I'd love one of pretty much every one of these frocks-so much inspiration, it makes me a bit cross eyed!!! I especially love the 2 on the left in the 1969 sears catalogue pic.
ReplyDeleteI like how you have the current projects thingy, that's a great idea! You go girl! Can't wait to see this frock! XXX
thanks Helga! oh yes, i suppose those girls get enough attention on their own without a collar pointing at them!
DeleteThese pictures are all so beautiful - especially love the Liza Minnelli and Grace Coddington ones!
ReplyDeleteOh i agree, Liza looks so lovely - hence why i put her right at the start! :)
DeleteIn response to your question, yes, darl, I do wear a crinoline under my 50's/60's full skirted frocks; I like the extra flounce! (and that word!!)
ReplyDeleteXXX
ooh lovely! i must get one. or make one............
DeleteCool post!
ReplyDeleteThanks! and thanks for stopping by :)
Deletewas trying to "mod" a plain black dress but I think the neckline is too low for a peter pan collar. Have you any other ideas for using white to make this dress more 60s?
ReplyDeleteHey! good question. Peter pan collars can sometimes look ok on a wide neck though i haven't seen your dress so i don't know! but you could try a pin tucked bib, or a jabot collar? some lace or white cotton will work for both of these. I hope that helped? I actually have a post coming up soon in this exact topic so hopefully it might give you some ideas?
DeleteOh my God at last I've found some one who likes the same stuff I do I am 69 an still love those dresses I've been trying to replicate mcCall s 3510 as it is a size 12 an I'm a 20 I just love that collar an cuffs you have helped me a lot many thanks Lorraine
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