Baroque is Back

Baroque has to be one of my favourite trends in the world. My wardrobe is filled to the brim with metallics, sequins and gold, and I've always been heavily influenced by the glitz and glamour style of Studio 54 back in the 70s. Which makes me very happy to see that the Baroque trend is set to dominate Autumn/Winter 2012 and the high street is getting stocked up to the brim with baroque inspired garments.  

It was upon coming across a photograph of singer Paloma Faith in this a-may-zing gold and black Baroque number which has inspired me to get out of my summer florals and back to my heavy metallics and vivid golds this Autumn...

Paloma Faith, vintage, August 2012

Having studied the Baroque art period at University, you can indeed take elements from this art form, and input these into your clothing pertaining you get the balance between old and modern right. You can do this either with a slick of plum or deep red lipstick or by adding sparkling, colourful clip on earrings.

Baroque stems from an art form which ran rampant in Italy during the 1600s. Sculptors and painters, such as Bernini and Cararvaggio, were pioneers of this art form as it suited the dramatic subject matter which they executed in their works. Essentially meaning "rough or imperfect pearl", baroque in today's culture evokes drama, colour of depth and in a sense, flamboyancey. Perfect for Autumn fashion.

See how you can translate the colours and forms seen in my two favourite Baroque painters Caravaggio and Peter Paul Rubens into your clothing below...

Caravaggio, "The Conversion on the Way to Damascus", 1601

Peter Paul Rubens, "The Four Continents", 1615

The rich tones and qualities of the Baroque era work really well for Autumn/Winter, and you can find a wealth of garments ideal for this style in vintage clothing stores and markets across the UK. Keep your eyes peeled for jacquard jackets and dresses, vintage oversized clip on earrings and chiffon fabrics to nail this trend on the head.

If you don't want to get your vintage in nor rake through piles of old clothing, ASOS currently have some brilliant items on their site all at relatively decent prices. See some of my favourite ways to achieve the Baroque look, images courtesy of ASOS, below...

ASOS Dolly Bird dress, £75

ASOS Mini skirt in Metallic Jacquard, £35

ASOS Premium Darling Drop Bug Earrings, £20

Now, I know we may still have a few weeks of summer left, yet for those who are already planning their autumn/winter wardrobes (like me) I hope you all embrace the Baroque trend as much as I will be!

Emma x