At the recent Marrakech Film Festival, actress Jenna Ortega captivated onlookers with a bold and contemporary take on the peplum, signaling a sophisticated evolution for the once-ubiquitous fashion element. Her attire, a striking black halterneck bodysuit paired with a dramatically structured skirt from Bevza's spring 2026 collection, showcased a fusion of minimalist design and architectural form. This ensemble, alongside her signature gothic-glam styling, underscored a broader trend where designers are reinterpreting traditional silhouettes with fresh eyes, moving beyond past associations to craft elegant, avant-garde statements on the red carpet.
The 22nd annual Marrakech Film Festival drew a host of luminaries, including acclaimed director Bong Joon Ho, and actresses Anya Taylor-Joy and Jodie Foster, all serving on this year's distinguished jury. Among these stars, Jenna Ortega's fashion choice for the opening night particularly stood out. Her ensemble, designed by the Kyiv-born label Bevza, known for its sleek lines and precise tailoring, featured a halterneck bodysuit with a sharp, plunging neckline seamlessly integrated into a voluminous, structured skirt that created a contemporary peplum effect. This look was a testament to Ortega's and her stylist Enrique Melendez's commitment to a powerfully gothic yet refined aesthetic, consistently seen in her appearances, from shredded GapStudio dresses to reptilian Ashi Studio gowns and even beach-goth boots.
Ortega's appearance was further enhanced by her smoky, sensual makeup, executed by Saskia Ryan using Dior Beauty products, and her long, cherry cola-tinted hair, styled in loose, tousled waves. This consistent approach to her personal style has made her a fashion icon, effortlessly blending edgy elements with high fashion. On the red carpet, she was also joined by fellow jury member Anya Taylor-Joy, who presented an equally elegant image in a custom black Dior gown. Taylor-Joy's dress, with its distinctive bubbled, two-tiered silhouette, evoked a sense of nostalgic elegance, reminiscent of the original peplum designs that characterized Dior's iconic New Look of 1947, further highlighting the historical dialogue present in contemporary fashion choices.
The return of the peplum, as evidenced by Ortega's choice and recent runway collections, signifies a departure from its more casual 2010s incarnation. Designers are now exploring its potential for refined elegance and architectural form. Labels like Erdem, Ashlynn Park, and Steven Stokey-Daley have all showcased modern interpretations, from fitted coats and ladylike circle skirts to cropped jackets with soft flares and cinched trench coats. This evolution sees the peplum shed its antiquated image, now embraced by fashion-forward celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Cynthia Erivo, and Ariana Grande, who have all incorporated the silhouette into their high-profile wardrobes, confirming its status as a sophisticated and undeniably cool fashion statement.
This renewed interest in the peplum underscores a broader fashion movement towards polished and elegant aesthetics, where classic elements are recontextualized for a modern audience. Jenna Ortega's impactful appearance at the Marrakech Film Festival not only solidified her status as a style innovator but also definitively showcased how this revitalized silhouette can be both chic and cutting-edge, proving that the fashion pendulum has swung decisively back in favor of this historically rich yet newly interpreted design.
