One upon a time baroque prints were exclusively synonymous with the vivid Versace print or Marie-Antoinette’s ‘Let them eat cake’ flamboyance, but its decadence has riddled into 2012’s fashion bill; it’s not just one for summer, but for fall too.
Translating the 18th century art into wearable clothing is a challenge; you’ve got an aesthetic that looks like it belongs in the European monarch rather than a high-street and one that is often met by the sneers of ‘it looks like an old biddies blouse.’ But the exuberant swirls, scrolls, ropes and chains of baroque prints will play out in our wardrobes in an integer of guises with shifting degrees of intensity.
‘How does one go about wearing these regal pieces?’ I hear you say. How about incorporating morsels of baroque-inspired fabrics and shapes? It is enough to capture an entire century’s worth of artistic merit in one outfit by using just one feature of the period.
Ingenious devore on scarves make for a pretty but subtle introduction to the trend.
1. White Animal Baroque Scarf, £28, Topshop 2.Neo Baroque Silk Scarf, £99, Belle Sauvage.
Or try a shrunken brocade blazer or knit threaded in black and gold, and look back to Balmain’s 2010 Fall/Winter show for inspiration; pair your jacket with a pair of dark washed skinny jeans and style it to this season with black suede wedges or Jeffrey Campbell Litas.
1. Black Baroque Print Cardigan, £40, River Island.
When wearing a baroque styled dress, not unlike those designed by Dolce and Gabana for this fall, remember to keep everything else very simple. Make this the main feature; leave your hair down, go bare armed and keep your make-up au natural to complement the extravagance of the garment.
1. White Baroque Print Bodycon Mini Dress, £25, River Island 2. Sleeveless Filigree Baroque Print Midi Dress, £35, John Zack.
For those bold fashionistas try fashion setting with stets or team flashy chain prints on leopard spots with strikes of swirling fauna an rococo swirls and do the cardinal sin of clashing.
1. Scarf Print Skirt, £19, Lipsy 2. Scarf Print Bralet, £15, Lipsy. 3. Body with Baroque Flock, £28, ASOS 4. Printed Leggings in Yellow Baroque Print, £21, Motel.
Now you’ve been shown the ropes you’re set to be more creative than Michelangelo. Marie-Antoinette would be proud; you can have your cake and eat it too.
-ZB