“Moderation is a fatal thing. Nothing succeeds like excess.” said Oscar Wilde, and it seems designers took their cue from the legend when setting the agenda for autumn/winter 2012.
Collections steeped in fashion history harking back to the 17th century baroque period made for gilded-edges and ornate detailing to make their way onto our lust lists.
Think thick gold embroidery, large chandelier earrings that seem almost too heavy to wear; ornate head pieces, frilled edges and a Milanese sensibility when putting these together (think what would Dello Russo do?).
Tapestry-inspired accessories made headlines for fall, thanks to the scene-stealing Dolce boys, whilst brocade floral suits took over at Marni and Faberge egg-style embroidery found its way onto velvet pants at Balmain.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that such (great) excess must come with an excessive price tag. Well, yes, that is permanently the case with Balmain’s sell-a-limb-for wares (£20,300 for a metal and crystal embroidered wool top, anyone?), but baroque can be rocked on a budget, too.
Check out our top baroque picks and boldly rock the budget Balmain to your heart’s content!
Rare Sequin Peplum Dress (pictured above), £80 available at Rare Fashion
