Queens of embellishment

The look’s fiercest incarnations were seen on the AW12 runways at Balmain, which took inspiration from the decadence of Fabergé eggs, and Dolce & Gabbana, where the most luxurious of fabrics (leather, lace, velvet, satin) were piled up with heavy gold threading and jewels. Valentino offered a softer, more folk inspired version of the trend, with jacquard detailing reminiscent of Russian dolls, while at Chanel there was a futuristic take on the look with metallics, angular crystals and a bold jewel colour palette. The key to working this trend successfully is to keep silhouettes classic and structured. Clean lines will allow the embellishment to do the talking and keep the look sleek: note the skinny trousers and understated shirts that were layered with the more decadent pieces at Balmain.