Reminiscent of Michelangelo works of art, the 17th century-inspired Baroque clothing is firmly back on the fashion agenda. This season, the designers found themselves plucking ideas from various artistic styles: Baroque, Rococo (“Late Baroque”), trompe l’oeil painting, Fabergé egg, and tapestry. The result was outstanding.
Decadent and edgy, but on the other hand very flattering and elegant, fall 2012 winter 2013 fashion celebrates flashy chain prints intertwined with endless curling roses, flourishes and animal motifs.
This has been captured above all in Dolce & Gabanna Fall 2012 fashion show which was inspired with Domenico Dolce’s Sicilian heritage and the island’s Baroque aesthetic. The Sicilian collection abounded with beautiful, decorative styles on everything from dresses and coats to accessories. The ladylike sheer tulle designs were adorned with golden embroidered lace and ornate details.
Also, Balmain’s creative director Olivier Rousteing gave into some gilt-y pleasures with Baroque adornment and decadent fabrics. His intricately embellished rockstar-lean pants, chic dresses and oversized jackets gave us a contemporary version of the luxurious look. Boyish, effortless and definitely more low-key than Dolce & Gabbana although still lavishly embroidered in Fabergé egg-style.
How to work the Baroque chic trend?
With ornate details and gilded edges, winter 2013 fashion shows debuted many fanciful Baroque pieces. The drama of the 1600’s inspired Victorian clothing has been captured above all by Dolce & Gabanna, who sent down the runway the army of models wearing designs with Rococo-inspired prints, gold embellishments and trompe l’oeil panels. Decadent and edgy, but on the other hand very flattering and elegant, Baroque chic has been popping up on red carpets recently.
Although Dolce & Gabbana successfully set the tone for a sumptuous feast of gilded prints, going head-to-toe Baroque will give a bit too literal look. Since we’re not stuck in 1600s, it’s a good idea to give Baroque chic the contemporary twist.
- Ornately decorated Baroque clothing looks great mixed with rocker chic designs. Therefore, follow Balmain’s ideas and team the sumptuously embellished jacket with a basic shirt and velvet trousers.
- The other way to mix dramatic Baroque patterns with rocker style is to juxtapose a curve-defining printed dress with tough combat boots. This eclectic approach is especially recommended for women wearing plus size clothing because it keeps the attention on a dramatic print
- With holiday season fast approaching, Baroque clothing is a great style to choose for holiday parties you’ll be invited to this season. Keep it simple and let the bold print stand out so think about staple accessories like strappy golden sandals and a classy clutch to complete the decadent look.
- Remember to go for a high quality, rich fabrics like velvet, or silk to match the luxurious nature of the trend
- For a minimal look try wearing accessories inspired by the time period like tapestry handbags, metallic gold jewellery with pearls and crystals or an ornately printed scarf