Just a few whistles back, less seemed to be more. Now, the tables have turned – and rich fabrics, opulent trimmings, and plush patterns have pushed the faint-of-heart aside.
Gold, red, velvet, satin, royalty: all these words swim in one’s head as this season’s runways herald, not for the first time, the return of luxury in fashion. Whether it be sheen or texture, a fabric’s stand-out richness is preferably flaunted. And this time, going over the top does not only mean overdosing on color. In fact, this season’s histrionic statement does not involve the usual nauseating cacophony of colors. Instead, the richness of fashion is expressed through a muted choice of color, fabric, accessory, and mold.
Seen on the runways of Ralph Lauren were fabrics that spoke of decadence, such as velvet in dark shades of red. Balmain wasn’t far behind with brocade blazers and gold gowns, lending sophistication to what would have been an overdone ensemble.
Ralph Lauren A/W 2010
Balmain A/W 2010
Altuzarra injects a sense of the contemporary by playing with asymmetry. Thigh-high slits did not diminish the resplendence of long, red gowns from the Altuzarra collection.
Altuzarra A/W 2010
The late Alexander McQueen’s line, which was only about three-fourths done, was finally released by his team – and the collection is worthy of a queen’s attention. Full-length and cropped dresses, with gold sewn-in patterns, were made even more regal by the apparent attention to detail.
Alexander McQueen A/W 2010
Lanvin reinvented the rock vibe by adding a dash of opulence into the glam factor. Attires stood out in rich black fabrics, coupled with funky accessories.
Lanvin A/W 2010
Perhaps fashion does have a split personality. Even with the revival of minimalism just a few seasons ago, it seems that maxing out is just a gold coin-toss away. Or maybe the allure of kings, queens, princes and princesses is one that is too primal in all of us that the idea of looking regal from head to toe is just something we can’t resist.
It may be a little hard to swallow, but going all out in terms of splendor is what’s on every fashion-minded person’s agenda this season. In more ways than one, it satisfies that desire we have to dress – and perhaps live – like royalty.
