Going Brocade

Rochas Fall 2010 Runway Look

Baroque inspiration has descended upon us for Fall 2010 (see Anna Paquin's Alexander McQueen Emmy's dress), and it all started in March at a retro-styled fashion show for high-end fashion line Rochas. Designer Marco Zanini time warped back to the 70s with his models' bouffant hair dos and "bell bottom" pants paired with tunics. Luckily, he stayed away from the polyester and decided to create his beautiful brocades in luxe silks.

Thus, a trend was (re)born.

Vintage Malcolm Starr brocade coat and brocade dress from Shrimpton Couture

Baroque influence has gone mainstream ever since. The use of brocades has appeared in clothing from casually cut jackets to cocktail dresses. The enhancement of texture, attention to detail and gilded sheen are intriguing and a welcomed reminder of the cool weather that is to come.

Georgia May Jagger wearing black and gold brocade dress in W magazine photographed by Craig McDean

Me in my brocade Tibi dress with my friend Rebekah on her wedding day- October 2007.

J. Crew was the first place I delightfully spotted this resurgence of glamour this year. As you can see above, I happen to already be a fan of brocade fabrics for the right special occasion. The silk shell below is nothing short of gorgeous and would really shine underneath a black blazer and over skinny jeans, making for a great contrast of an old glamourous fabric in a modern silhouette.

J. Crew Khloe Jacquard Cami

I also love this Isabel Marant baseball jacket. To use such a dressy fabric in such a casual cut is really interesting. You could literally throw it on over a tee shirt dress and appear instantly dressed up. Just keep the accessories minimal. How simple!

Isabel Marant Gunay Brocade Baseball Jacket from Net-A-Porter

If you want to be a bit more formal, Tibi has come out with the edgy girl's version of my brocade Tibi dress pictured above. This beautifully tailored cocktail dress takes all of the old lady out of the brocade fabric. It's fierce, modern and fun and, day I say, McQueen-esque? Imagine it style with black sheer tights and booties. I wouldn't want to mess with that girl!

Tibi Bond St. Sculpted Dress

There is also the more conservative approach- this Nili Lotan stunner. This dress reminds me of Milly's beautiful emerald green and sapphire brocade prints from last fall. You could wear a blazer with this dress for work and still look great for drinks afterward.

Nili Lotan Foiled Again Floral Turtleneck Dress

Milly dress from last fall (center)

If you decide you really want to go for the drama, take a cue from Michael Jackson and slip on this glam rock jacket below. Alice & Olivia designs yet another show-stopping piece with this not only brocade but beaded blazer. Would you really need to wear anything else besides a demure black dress or a white tee and jeans??

Alice & Olivia Luiza Embellished Jacket

Whether you like it or not, this shiny, old-fashioned fabric has taken on a modern day relevance stronger than even last fall's appearance.

Perhaps there's a reason that a classic never dies.