- Avarna Jain,
Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media
The festive upgrade we are eyeing…

This year’s festive mood is leaning towards structure with ease. And our bet is on the lehengas paired with a peplum blouse. It is elegant, flattering, and a fresh change from the usual blouse-and-dupatta set. The silhouette flatters the waist, moves gracefully, and gives the lehenga a refreshing new character, making it one of the most interesting festive updates we are seeing this year. But before we dive into how designers are playing with it, let’s understand where the peplum comes from.

The word ‘peplum’ dates back to ancient Greece, where it referred to a short overskirt. In the 1940s, Christian Dior revived it in Paris as part of his famous “New Look,” giving women’s jackets and dresses a cinched waist and flared hem. Indian fashion, too, has had its own flared cholis and angarakhas that echoed the same idea. The new wave of peplum tops simply brings this old silhouette into the festive spotlight.

And why do they work so well with lehengas? The shape naturally defines the waist and flows gracefully over the skirt, making it both comfortable and chic. So if you’re looking for an outfit for this festive season, then these designers are keeping up with the trend.

Known for her rich, royal colour palette and detailed hand embroidery, Jayanti Reddy embraced peplum tops in her India Couture Week 2025 showcase. Her Purple Embroidered Lehenga Set with a Peplum Top stood out as a perfect balance of heritage and trend.
Buy it here.

Bollywood’s go-to couturier, Manish Malhotra, gave the trend his signature drama. His Black Peplum Lehenga Set pairs a plain peplum blouse with feather-detailed sleeves and a Mijwan lehenga embroidered in ivory.
Buy it here.

She is known for her feminine, boho-inspired styles. Bhumika’s Ivory Printed Peplum Top with a Skirt is lighter, fuss-free and perfect for intimate weddings or pre-functions.
Buy it here.

Always playful with colour and surface work, Awigna’s Yellow Net and Georgette Cut Work Lehenga with a Peplum Jacket uses pearls, sequins, and layering for a statement look. It is joyful and festive in the most celebratory way.
Buy it here.

Their Peplum Top with Lehenga brings together modern and traditional craft. A yellow-and-green set with patola-bandhani prints, it is elevated by a side-cut peplum blouse embellished with cutdana, beads, and mirror work detailing. Paired with a printed dupatta, this mirror work lehenga is a standout for bridesmaids and festive celebrations alike.
Buy it here.
With a focus on artisanal techniques and earthy tones, Swatti Kapoor’s Blue Embroidered Zari Farah Floral Woven Peplum Top and Skirt Set blends tradition with contemporary ease.

Buy it here.