Brocade brilliance

Think rich (baroque) opulence, think (intricately) woven gold thread, and think (escapism) to a castle in a land far, far away. Mix it all together and you'll have one of fall's 2012 oh so royal trends - brocades and embellishments, says Dionna-Marie Young.

It was clearly observed that there was a rich sense of royalty and lavish overstated tones seen on the catwalk this season for fall 2012. So, time to welcome in the autumn season with a luxurious heaped scoop of elegance and bedazzlement into your wardrobe as Christopher Kane, Dries Van Norten and Marchesa weave exquisiteness with delicious Italian brocade injected into their designs.

It's all in the name of classic flair with attitude - a trend that screams sheer feminine elegance and juxtaposed strength rolled into one. At Gucci, models strutted down the catwalk with an air of crisp coolness, hands clasping deluxe, oversized leather travel bags, showcasing dark-toned brocade woven suits, dresses, barely touching knee-high boots, and promiscuous, tinted glasses. You couldn't be blamed for the words 'Russian spy' to instantly pop into your head. Giles brocade designs on the overhand were more subtle and clean-cut in its approach, using lighter tones but made up for the lavish overstated look with its larger-than-life cuts and floor-sweeping puff-ball dresses, ideal for a fairy-tale princess. And Moschino Cheap And Chic models playfully walked the catwalk with a somewhat cheeky attitude, displaying frilly above the knee cuts, chunky patent shoes and statement gold jewellery and, of course, also adding their take on brocade empowerment.

Yes, I know what you're thinking: Dionna, exactly how can we wear such a heavy fabric trend in such a warm climate? And so my daring reply would be somewhat like this: when it comes to fashion, when has that ever stopped Jamaica rocking a trend? With the likes of Salvatore Ferragamo's inspired brocade printed chiffon off-the-shoulder blouses, and brocade woven high-waisted pencil skirts - Aquilano Rimondi's sleeveless body con dresses and J. Crew's brocade printed silk jumpsuits; you're spoilt for choice come brocade fall and spoilt is a dominant word here, as the key to wearing this trend is all about mixing brocade aristocracy with a sophisticated non-caring, pouting attitude - got that? Good!

Here lies the opportunity to laugh in the face of the credit crunch as though it doesn't exist and lather in the rich luxurious bubble bath of embellished expense, epitomised by the brocade trend. Think contrasted elements: a splash of colour with understated darker tones - dominant shapes and cuts just above the knees or sweeping the floors, with shyly cut scooped necks, if at all, to slightly expose the décolletage. It's all in the fun of paying homage to lavish royalty at its best in your attire. So the question is (I ask this with an eyebrow raised) - Are you ready to welcome the gem of fashion into your style diary this autumn.