Baroque 'n' roll

The accent is on rich shine and shimmer. Saba Vasim on this season's golden moment.

Oscar Wilde said "nothing succeeds like excess". His line fits very well with this season's brocades and metallic fabrics.

Classic fabrics have been given a fashion forward makeover this season to add edgy rock'n' roll look to otherwise sombre seasonal colours.

These rich, elaborate, dramatic materials have been used by Alexander McQueen and Roberto Cavalli to update traditional fabrics to create a show-stopping look for the autum season.

Working a festive season's look is not as hard as it seems with this guideline.

How to weave them into your wardrobe:

Striking, but simple approaches to this look with items that have refined black and gold ornaments are the easiest way to adopt this look, as are all gold ensembles.

Gold as a colour has been featured in every autumn 2006 collection. This trendy brocade fabric goes right across the colour range from expensive looking creamiest of honey tones, caramel, true mustard gold, deep amber , sunshine yellow to the most lustrous golden copper sheen.

- Team ornate pieces with tight black jeans and boots for a darker rock 'n' roll edge.
- Try a golden brocade long or short pencil skirt with white lace top.
- Seek out ornate, intricately detailed fabrics in deep rich colours and antique golds.
- Choose quality fabrics that bring integrity to your look; do not choose B grade fabrics.
- Shape is the key element; a simple cut brings the best out of this fabric.
- Heavy brocades work well with lighter fabrics — such as silk and lace.
- Keep accessories to a minimum to bring out the opulence of the fabric
- Creamy gold and antique gold-toned brocades are perfect for dresses and coats for the festive season.
- While metallic accessories are hot for daytime, the metallic dress is strictly a night-time look for most of us.
- If you feel it is enough to add a touch of shimmer, experiment with this look in small doses with a belt, shoes, bags, scarf or cosmetics.
- Try metallic for day — wear a shimmering pump with black jeans or tights
- Carrying a gold bag is very trendy and it can be used in the morning and night to shimmer and glimmer.
- Get lipsticks, nail polish and eyeliner in rich, opulent shades to take on a fresh new look.

You can find every type of garment in this range of fabric and colour from knitwear, blouses, skirts ... for your golden moment.

Did You Know?
Brocade was first produced in the 3rd century in China. The exotic coats, jackets, ball gowns, evening pants, dresses and even bags were made out of brocade. Fabric covered in the embroidery, print or damask weave of exotic birds, fronded feathers and curlicues, bursting chrysanthemum blooms, luscious peony forms, leaves, fleur-de-lis and heraldic forms conjure visions of opulent baroque luxury.

Jungle fashion

Tiger print is a must-have this season. There are different colour-patterns and these can go with black, beige and the many shades of brown. So based on your taste, go in for a tiger print bag, shoes, scarf, top, blouse, dress, leggings or even a jacket. However, it is preferable to team it with a plain colour to highlight the elegance and simplicity of your look.

The correspondent is an international AICI certified image consultant and stylist.