Baroque

As a violinist, say 'baroque' and I think of Bach, Handel, contrapuntal and polyphonic melodies, harpsicords, contrasting dynamics, ornamental trills and turns, no vibrato. Baroque architecture and fashion, on the other hand, I know next to nothing about.

Originating in Italy, the Baroque aesthetic is all about rich exuberance, elaborate detail, light and shadow, intensity and drama. The word 'baroque' used to be derogatory, but it's long since shaken off the meaning of excess and redundancy.

From History of Fashion

From History of Fashion

From VagaBond NYC

I'm not a follower of high fashion and catwalks and things, but Dolce & Gabbana's (I had trouble spelling that) Baroque collection is really quite impressive.

From London Fashion

Predictably, this has translated onto the streets of normal(?) people in that black and gold jacquard print, most of the time. I am usually not too partial to the combination of black and gold - it's a rich combination, too easily crossing the line into brash vulgarity, in my opinion - but I am fully aware that it can look exquisite, as these Lookbookers can prove.

|| Kasey K. || Judas L. || Renata M. ||

|| Stephanie D. || Olivia H. || Ricarda S. ||

Black and gold are easiest to wear with more black and white, but why not be adventurous and throw in another rich colour, like teal or red? I've not seen so much baroque on the streets where I live - hardly surprising, really - but here are some of my favourite finds on the internet.

Skirt: River Island

Dress: Miss Selfridge

Blazer: Singh Madan, via Polyvore

Dress: Pixie Market, via Fashion Inspo