Abstract

This paper traces the history of the term peplum, clarifying the origin of the Latin form and delving deeper into its meanings, starting from that of «mythological film» and then moving on to the two relating language of fashion: ‘draped dress similar to the Greek peplum’ and ‘short flared, gathered, or pleated strip of fabric attached at the waist of a woman’s jacket, dress, or blouse’. In researching the term, a number of digitalized newspaper archives («La Stampa», «Corriere della sera») and fashion magazines published online («Vogue» and «Vanity Fair») have been used.