Pretty as a Peacock, the saying goes, referring to the beautiful feathers the peacock adorns. In fashion, peacocks are often depicted as a force of elegance, a sign of vanity, vitality, and confidence.
Peacocks are sometimes a symbol of spirituality as well across many cultures. Some think the peacock is a blessing from god and others say the peacock is a sign of luck. The peacock opens his feathers to the peahen in mating. The opening of oneself to another is thought of as self acceptance which one must do before being ready for love a deep form of spirituality.
There is a long history of peacocks in fashion. Sometimes we see them in a silhouette, a pattern, a color palette and also the actual peacock image. Here are a few examples of peacocks in history in fashion and a little collection honoring the iconic heraldic creature.
Edwardian Period
1909 Vogue Cover by Illustrator J. Allen St. John
1910 Evening Gown from Paris depicting the peacock embroidered in the bodice and printed on the skirt of the dress.
1909 Vogue Cover Illustration
Vogue Cover July 29, 1909 Illustration
Belle Époque
Paul Poiret's 1911 lampshade costume with peacock colored jewels
Peacock Silhouette gown by Lucille 1913
Vogue Cover April 15, 1915 by George Plank
1915 kaftan inspired dress with peacock print from Liberty, a department store in London.
Vogue cover 1918 by Illustrator George Plank
Peacock palette and feathers on Dior's Zigzag collection, Illustrator Demachy, 1948 Cover by Modes de Travoux
The Peacock Revolution
A metaphor for the colorful male creature became a 1960's menswear trend when men began challenging the traditional look expected of them and incorporating bold colors, prints and frills.
Pink Floyd like so many bands of the late 60's grew their hair long and joined the peacock revolution in menswear.
Peacocks are males that open their feathers to primarily attract a female peahen as a mate, scare off predators and to maintain their territory from competitor peacocks vying for the peahen's attention. The peahens choose which peacocks to mate with after viewing their open beautiful peacock feathers. The openness the peacock shows by opening his feathers to show the peahen that he is the one that she should choose is one that fashion has taken notice of and chosen as an image of strength and beauty.
Homage the peacock: Available In Store only.
Jewelry: Peacocks, patterns and rich jeweled colors of greens, blues and gold in pendants, wire wrap bracelets and earrings.
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Vintage Illustrations: 12.5" x 18"
Shop these beautiful peacock designs:
Peacock Keepsake Jewelry BoxPainted Peacock Stemless Wine Glasses
