Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, is renowned not only for his music but also for his iconic fashion sense. One of his most memorable and extravagant outfits is the Peacock costume, designed by Bill Belew. This costume made its debut during Elvis’s matinee performance at the Forum in Los Angeles on May 11, 1974.

Bill Belew, a renowned designer based in Los Angeles, was responsible for crafting the Peacock jumpsuit. Belew had been creating Presley’s stage wardrobe since 1968, beginning with the iconic black leather outfit and white suit worn during Presley’s 1968 comeback special on NBC. For the Peacock jumpsuit, Belew designed a white one-piece, zippered jumpsuit adorned with a heavily chain-stitched, rhinestone-bejeweled peacock design. The intricate embroidery featured vibrant blue, green, and gold hues, with tail feathers cascading down the legs, flaring at the bottom.

Elvis took delivery of the Peacock jumpsuit on the day of its debut, tailored specifically for him. After kicking off his tour in San Bernardino, the Peacock made its first appearance at the evening Forum performance on May 11, 1974.

The Peacock costume quickly became Elvis’s favorite among the ornate creations by Belew. It was concert-worn nearly twice as often as any of the other eleven jumpsuits Elvis wore during his five-month tour from May to October 1974. The Peacock was showcased more than a dozen times in various cities nationwide and likely another dozen times during multi-week performances in Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas. The final documented appearance of the Peacock jumpsuit was in San Antonio on October 8, 1974. The tour concluded a week later in Lake Tahoe, after which Elvis took a five-month break from touring.

Elvis’s onstage persona during the final decade of his life was defined by Bill Belew’s stunning designs. Belew created nearly 125 outfits for Presley, with the Peacock costume standing out as the most desirable and iconic. Elvis humorously quipped in 1970, “If the songs don’t go over, we can do a medley of costumes.” The Peacock jumpsuit, however, never failed to captivate audiences with its dazzling design and representation of Elvis’s flamboyant style.

Only a few of Belew’s designs have appeared on the collector’s market since Elvis’s death, making the Peacock costume a rare and highly coveted piece. Despite the extensive collection at Graceland, the Peacock remains a glaring omission.

Bill Belew’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the design and craftsmanship of the Peacock costume. The jumpsuit features a white base fabric adorned with an elaborate peacock design made from chain-stitched embroidery and sparkling rhinestones. The vivid colors of the peacock feathers, in blue, green, and gold, create a striking contrast against the white fabric, making the costume a visual masterpiece.

The peacock motif was chosen not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its symbolism. Peacocks are often associated with beauty, pride, and regality—qualities that mirrored Elvis’s onstage persona. The cascading feathers along the legs of the jumpsuit added a dynamic element to Elvis’s performances, catching the stage lights and creating a mesmerizing effect.

Belew’s expertise in costume design ensured that the jumpsuit was not only visually stunning but also practical for Elvis’s energetic performances. The zippered design allowed for ease of wear, and the flared legs provided freedom of movement, essential for Elvis’s signature dance moves.

Elvis’s extensive 1974 tour saw the Peacock costume become a recurring highlight of his performances. From May to October, Elvis donned the Peacock jumpsuit in cities across the United States, leaving an indelible mark on his audiences. The costume’s debut at the Forum in Los Angeles set the tone for the tour, with fans and critics alike mesmerized by its grandeur.

Throughout the tour, Elvis performed in the Peacock costume in various venues, including multi-week stands in Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas. Each appearance in the Peacock outfit was met with enthusiasm, as fans eagerly anticipated seeing the King in his most iconic attire. The costume’s final documented appearance was in San Antonio on October 8, 1974, marking the end of an era for the Peacock jumpsuit.

Elvis’s ability to captivate audiences with his music and fashion choices was unparalleled. The Peacock costume, in particular, symbolized his larger-than-life persona and his dedication to entertaining his fans with both his voice and his visual presentation.

For fans of Elvis Presley’s bold and extravagant style, incorporating similar fashion elements into your wardrobe is a great way to pay homage to the King of Rock and Roll. Our Give For Him collection features a variety of Elvis Presley-inspired outfits that capture the essence of his iconic look.

Channel Elvis’s tropical vibes with our selection of Hawaiian shirts. These shirts feature bright and bold patterns reminiscent of the ones Elvis wore during his vacations and casual outings. Perfect for a relaxed, stylish look, our Hawaiian shirts are a must-have for any Elvis fan.
Sweaters and Hoodies
Stay cozy and stylish with our collection of sweaters and hoodies. Inspired by Elvis’s casual yet fashionable choices, these pieces offer comfort and flair. Whether you’re lounging at home or stepping out, our sweaters and hoodies will keep you warm and stylish.

Complete your Elvis-inspired look with our range of comfortable and trendy pants. Designed to echo Elvis’s unique fashion sense, our pants are perfect for everyday wear. Pair them with a Hawaiian shirt or a hoodie for a casual yet stylish ensemble.

For those looking to make a bold statement, our specially curated Elvis Presley outfits are the perfect choice. These pieces celebrate the King of Rock and Roll with designs that pay tribute to his legendary stage presence. Whether you’re attending a themed event or simply want to stand out, our Elvis-inspired outfits will ensure you look and feel like a rock star.

By embracing the spirit of Elvis’s Peacock costume, you can add a touch of rock and roll to your own wardrobe. Explore our collection and find the perfect piece to channel your inner King. Our Elvis-inspired fashion items are designed to capture the essence of Elvis Presley’s iconic style, allowing you to celebrate his legacy in a fashionable and unique way.

This article provides a comprehensive look at the legendary Elvis Presley Peacock costume, its creation, cultural impact, and how you can incorporate Elvis’s style into your wardrobe. With our Elvis Presley-inspired outfits, you can embrace the spirit of the King of Rock and Roll and make a bold fashion statement.