You guessed it darlings, B is for Brocade!This regal embossed cloth (or Jacquard, named for the French inventor of the first automatic loom, 1801) is woven with an elaborate design that lends the fabric a raised pattern. Designers are delighting in the possibilities for sumptuous, thick brocade, as evinced on the fall 2008 runways.
Carolina Herrera did it best, in CC's humble opinion (see top left)
Carolina Herrera did it best, in CC's humble opinion (see top left)Note: runway photos in this post via nymag.com unless otherwise credited.
At right:
Jean Paul Gaultier Couture brocade in bright pink;
detail photo courtesy style.com
Jean Paul Gaultier Couture fur-trim jacquard blazer;
Jean Paul Gaultier Couture fur-trim jacquard blazer;photo courtesy style.com
DKNY had a scrumptious selection of metallic brocades for Autumn!
Angel Sanchez pale brocade dress - note the unique neckline and lovely sculptural floral hem detail!
Biba tunic - CC loves the exaggerated shoulder!
Monique Lhuillier tapestry shift - pure luxury!
Pamella Roland black brocade gown with feather detail; how truly opulent!
Phillip Lim gold brocade mini dress - note how this textured, printed frock is a layering piece for a patterned topper in an entirely different, muted color palette; don't be afraid to experiment with jacquard!
What to buy:
A brocade dress or skirt is essential for fall!
Rachel Roy Max metallic shift, at shopbop.com;
DKNY had a scrumptious selection of metallic brocades for Autumn!
Angel Sanchez pale brocade dress - note the unique neckline and lovely sculptural floral hem detail!
Biba tunic - CC loves the exaggerated shoulder!
Monique Lhuillier tapestry shift - pure luxury!
Pamella Roland black brocade gown with feather detail; how truly opulent!
Phillip Lim gold brocade mini dress - note how this textured, printed frock is a layering piece for a patterned topper in an entirely different, muted color palette; don't be afraid to experiment with jacquard!
What to buy:A brocade dress or skirt is essential for fall!
Rachel Roy Max metallic shift, at shopbop.com;
simply exquisite, and an interesting alternative to the LBD, right?
Christian Lacroix silk dress, at net-a-porter.com
Etro brocade bodice sheath. Visit bergdorfgoodman.com
Notte by Marchesa metallic shift, currently on sale at net-a-porter.com
Carolina Herrera full-skirted floral jacquard dress, at Neiman Marcus
Vera Wang black brocade inverted pleat strapless, at bluefly.com
Christian Lacroix silk dress, at net-a-porter.com
Etro brocade bodice sheath. Visit bergdorfgoodman.com
Notte by Marchesa metallic shift, currently on sale at net-a-porter.com
Carolina Herrera full-skirted floral jacquard dress, at Neiman Marcus
Vera Wang black brocade inverted pleat strapless, at bluefly.com
CC loves the shape of this Alexander McQueen Peacock jacquard dress. Ah, if only money were no object . . . 
Visit saks.com.Wendy Katlen navy metallic brocade shift. Go to bluefly.com
If you can swing it, a lovely brocade coat might be in order for autumn!Try this 3.1 Phillip Lim swirl-print trench coat; photo courtesy elle.com.
CC feels that this is an investment piece that will weather the test of time.
CC is also enamored of this girly and fabulous Miu Miu Princess coat.
CC is also enamored of this girly and fabulous Miu Miu Princess coat. Visit net-a-porter.com to buy this swingy stunner. Loving the shorter length!
CC would stick her neck out for this J. Crew Metallic Giraffe day coat!
Combining two fall trends in one – florals and brocade: a sumptuous Oscar de la Renta coat, available at Bergdorf Goodman New York
Milly brocade tunic, on sale for $120 at net-a-porter.com.
CC would stick her neck out for this J. Crew Metallic Giraffe day coat!
Combining two fall trends in one – florals and brocade: a sumptuous Oscar de la Renta coat, available at Bergdorf Goodman New York
Milly brocade tunic, on sale for $120 at net-a-porter.com.How perfect would this top be with some black skinnies?
Whether pencil or full, a brocade skirt is ideal for autumn:
Paul & Joe Auplus metallic jacquard skirt, at net-a-porter.com
Above:
Whether pencil or full, a brocade skirt is ideal for autumn:Paul & Joe Auplus metallic jacquard skirt, at net-a-porter.com
Above: DKNY metallic brocade skirt, at shopbop.com
At right:
Bill Blass mosaic brocade skirt, at net-a-porter.com
Bill Blass mosaic brocade skirt, at net-a-porter.com
Brocade accessories are a rich addition to your autumn wardrobe, and, as always, a way to ease into any trend. Runway inspiration: Matthew Williamson brocade bootie, via style.com
Dolce & Gabbana jacquard and leather lace-up and buckle ankle boot; this photo and next via elle.com
At left: How incredibly fierce is this Cesare Paciotti brocade boot?
Below:
Chloe brocade purse, at yoox.com
At right:For the truly adventurous fashionista, there is the brocade fingerless glove. Go to glovedup.com.
Below:
Christian Lacroix gold jacquard pump, at yoox.com
Oscar de la Renta satin brocade pump, at net-a-porter.com.What a wonderful way to add a pop of color, interest, and glamour to your ensemble!
Gorgeous. Brocade is just such a wonderful fabric.
ReplyDeleteI like the red dress the best.
loving brocade! it's got such great texture and i love how it's balanced with black tights in so many of these pictures. the bubble skirt you chose is my all-time fav!
ReplyDeleteLove them all. It's too hard to choose my favorite. I think it's the Notte by Marchesa.
ReplyDeleteLovely post
Love the whole post, as always. But why do you never do daily outfit posts? Or even posts about what you buy? I'm so curious about the style of miss style guru herself! And is there a reason why you don't post them? I would love to see what you wear on a regular day!
ReplyDeletekisses.
Hey V2 - I love that one as well - so dramatic!
ReplyDeleteEmily, aren't bubble skirts awesome?
Little BP: I am so grateful for Marchesa's diffusion line!
Claudia - There are a few reasons why I don't do outfit posts... First, there are already so many amazing bloggers who devote themselves to the task, and I really wanted to carve out a different niche [not to make a ridiculous parallel between myself and The Editor, but in the same way that Anna Wintour doesn't feature herself in Vogue, I choose to remain behind the scenes]. Also, my iphone is on the fritz, so even if I fancied photographing my outfits, I'd be out of luck since I am camera-less at the moment!
But maybe I will polyvore a typical CC outfit for you?
xoxox,
CC
im loving the 3rd picture!
ReplyDeleteThat Herrera coat is SO beautiful. And I love the Phillip Lim as well. Actually, I just love brocade in general, wish I had more of it. Amazing post.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the amazing compliments by the way, they really brightened up my day :)
I'm not too sure about the dresses. Some look really nice..But the shoes are amazing :)
ReplyDeleteim amazed by all this lectic prints following us into fall/winter as being introduced by Gucci A/W 08 collection. looks like things to have to get so dull this winter, even with the cold
ReplyDeleteHi there-a really fabulous post!!
ReplyDeleteI want the Jean Paul Gaultier fur trimmed blazer-soo timeless and elegant!!
Awesome! DKNY dress is my fav!
ReplyDeletexx
love the vera wang and milly pieces
ReplyDeletefantastic!!!
ReplyDeletea kiss!!!
Hey CC, how's it going?
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post! Brocade really is a beautiful and luxurious fabric and this selection is fantastic!
My favourite uses of brocade are on shift dresses and outerwear - perfect for fall! I also really like it on the skirts and footwear you picked out!
Thanks for the comments you left on my post! I did get the first one but I hadn't published it as yet. I'm really glad you enjoyed it though :D
Take care luv and enjoy the rest of your day!
My favorite is the bright pink Gaultier, or the first one without a model...
ReplyDeleteI am entranced by Miu Miu's brocade dresses.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I call real luxury!
ReplyDeleteYap, money sucks. When you don't have it (which is my case) haha
ReplyDeleteLOVING the DKNY and the Pamella Roland ones. G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S.
I need to be back on the blogger world more often. I forgot how relaxing and fun it can be.
I missed your blog, CC!
yet again, great shoes and boots! ;)
ReplyDeletei think this is a great trend. brocade is sooo classy and chic. i love the paciotti boot.
ReplyDeleteBrocade is such an interesting texture. I am in love with the brocade tench from Phillip Lim, a melding of two distinct classics. And don't get me started on the Paciotti boots...sick!
ReplyDeletea couple years back when i was picking a dress for prom i fell in love with a brocade dress. <3 i can't remember who designed it but i really awnted it. <3 haha.
ReplyDeleteI've never been a fan of brocade before but after seeing all these pictures, I'm converted to the cause! I want more brocade in my life...awesome post!
ReplyDeleteahhh!!! *claps with delight* yaaaay brocade!!! i haven't seen this in a loong time, but i just love how elegant and royal/regal this lovely fabric can make one look!!! :D xoxo, lulu
ReplyDeleteI like this but not too much in clothing, the short dresses are the best, not too heavy. LOVE the shoes and boots!
ReplyDeleteBrocade is so lovely- it's amazing. I love your blog, hun! It's too hard to choose my favorite.. i love it all!
ReplyDeleteThe texture of brocade is SO gorgeous. Very fall!
ReplyDeleteBrocade, a lush fabric I'll be looking forward to seeing in the fall.
ReplyDeletewell well well.. I never knew what they were called before. So here I learn something new again. I would love to try CH look (the very first photo).
ReplyDeletethanks CC as always.
i love the patterned coat.
ReplyDeletei am totally into the carrie bradshaw shoes that she wore in sex and the city the movie.
the ones you have on this post are more vintage/18th century.
I LOVE IT!
am noticing lots of metallic recently on RTW. Not sure if I can carry a metallic coat off but I am interested though.
ReplyDeleteI need that philip lim coat..
ReplyDeleteLovely post
I love brocade coats ... something about them is so extraordinary :)
ReplyDeleteI love the dress from DKNY. The whole collection I am in love with!
ReplyDeleteYour post just killed me because I can feel my heart skipping at every single picture you've posted on this post! Everything is so gorgeous but I guess one have to take care not to look like thos curtains hanging from some chi-chi places.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment - my trip definitely was wonderful but I'm glad to be home again.
ReplyDeleteI love your fashion ABC, it could easily become my fall fashion bible. x
Hi cutie! Brocade is beautiful, such a classic. I loved the Christian Lacroix pumps. Have a nice weekend:)
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that it's been used again, for long it was seen only at granma's livingroom.:D
ReplyDeletejuliet xxx
ohh man! i am now currently craving a brocade jacket for the fall. go for brocade!
ReplyDeleteI love brocade. I want a brocade skirt for the fall. I love the Dkny and Miu Miu takes on brocade
ReplyDeleteLiking the brocade boots!
ReplyDeleteHmmm... this entry makes me consider bringing out my corduroy coat, haha. Thanks for the lovely comment! Your blog is great and highly informative, keep up the good work.
ReplyDeletewow--amazing post--yes to brocade for sure...
ReplyDeleteAlways a fashion must-have: BROCADES
ReplyDeleteanother texture that's just not for me. one of my best friends wears it divinely. she is the size of my leg. think it just adds to much weight on my body. and feels too too.
ReplyDeleteyou are such a great blogger. your page is very inspirational
ReplyDelete