The Resurgence of Intricate Opulence in Fashion
In a world of minimalist fashion, intricacy and detail are making a long-awaited comeback. Say hello to the wave of luxurious beading and fabrics seen on runways and stages.
Maybe it was the costume design on 'Bridgerton' or Regency core, but the era of decadence is upon us. The antithesis of minimalism has been making a more contemporary appearance on the runways of maisons and on our favourite stars. This year’s Guilded Glamour theme at the Met Gala was yet another probe into the extravagant aesthetic. Still not convinced? Discover how intricacy has been revamped for the modern crowd below.
Fall and Cruise collections alike this year witnessed the revival of gowns inspired by the Victorian era, with tailoring guided by silhouettes of the time. But the standout elements of the presentations were the flooding of gems, crystals, and embroidery.
“More is more and less is a bore," Architect Robert Venturi’s words have never rung truer. Dresses on the runway got a shower of gold and silver, an ode to the rich aristocratic history of the times of opulence. Jewel tones were also paraded down the catwalks, with a glittering display of sequins and studs.
Off the runway, celebrities have been seen dipping their toes into the trend – bringing their street and stage styles to the next level with opulence through dramatic bedazzled silhouettes and exaggerated glamour. And decadence doesn’t stop with beadwork – appliqué fabrics have also been garnering the attention of celebrities as a means to maximalism.
Take it from MAMAMOO’s Solar, who brought a contemporary flair to an intricately embroidered matching set. The singer and YouTube star paired the floral corset-style top with chunkier gold jewellery, boosting the outfit’s modern glamour in a subtly chic manner.
Olivia Rodrigo’s little ribbon-lined number is a youthful reinterpretation of sartorial lavishness. The sweet baby pink bows on her elbow gloves and corset lightly hint at the over-the-top energy of the Renaissance. With the knee-high sheer socks, the look gets a modern, provocative lift.
No matter the method of reinvention, this resurgence of intricate fashion is a style that’s sure to endure. It’s a careful look into the garments of the past, with the same attention to detail and adoration for the elaborate and the dramatic. Opulence in the 21st Century is a luxury in fashion we’ve been afforded.
