What’s baroque?
Baroque is an artistic style that flourished in 17th century Europe. It’s characterized by exaggerated motion and details that create tension, drama and exuberance. The Baroque style extends to painting, sculpture, architecture, theatre, music and literature.
So what is baroque fashion?
Don’t get confused, baroque fashion is not inspired by what people wore in the 1600s and early 1700s. Rather, it is an extension of the key attributes of the Baroque style- ornamentation, gold and richness in fabric, details and textures.
(Below: Dolce & Gabbana FW 2013 collection)
So how do I identify Baroque fashion?
Look out for:
- Gilt/ gold embellishments (refer Dolce & Gabbana FW 2013 below)
- Heavy brocades
- Gold-centric prints
- Embossing
- Bright and large floral prints
- Velvet with embellishments
- Tapestry-inspired embroideries and prints in a range of colours- think spirals and volutes. (Refer Zara Jacquard mini skirt below)
Why is everyone talking about baroque fashion?
Fashion mags are touting it as a hot trend for Fall/ Winter 2012 (I had mentioned this as an upcoming trend at the end of the previous season). That’s because it made an appearance in collections of important designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta, Alexander McQueen and Balmain.
And in India?
Closer home, designers like Rajat K Tangri and Khushboo Agarwal-Prem Kumar (below) got baroque in their winter collection. And it will also stay on as a trend for SS 13.
So where does the baroque trend appear?
On jackets, dresses, blouses, jewellery and accessories like bags and shoes! In India, there will never be dearth of gold embellishments and zardosi, or gold accessories, so you might just find something somewhere! (Lipsy Baroque Mesh Top below)
Where can I buy baroque pieces?
Key fashion brands feature some elements of the baroque trend. Zara and Mango both have some baroque pieces. Some brands like Forever New have elements of baroque as well.
Mango Baroque Velvet Blouse
Motel Coco Baroque Blue dress (available on Rock.in)
Forever New Lily 2 in 1 dress
What about baroque-inspired accessories?
Wavey Clutch from French Connection
Necklace from Toniq
Earrings from Viange
