BAROQUE
Baroque is a lavish, dramatic style inspired by the aesthetic of 17th–18th-century European art with its love of luxury, movement and theatricality. In fashion, baroque is heavy precious fabrics (velvet, brocade, silk), rich gold embroidery, elaborate lace, voluminous sleeves, deep saturated colours and an abundance of décor. The style celebrates excess as beauty: the more sparkle, ornament and texture, the better. Historically the baroque costume reflected the power and wealth of the aristocracy and monarchs. Baroque motifs are regularly brought back into modern fashion by designers (above all Dolce & Gabbana, Versace) — with their gold patterns, baroque prints and opulent luxury. Baroque is a style of grandeur, sensuality and confident, unapologetic luxury that is not afraid to be noticed.
Compare “Baroque” with another term
Meaning, origins and distinction — side by side.
Distinction
Two historical decorative styles, where Rococo grew out of Baroque but softened it. Seventeenth-century Baroque is drama, heavy opulence, deep colours, gold, massive forms and theatricality. Eighteenth-century Rococo is lighter and more playful: pastel tones, delicate scrolls, floral motifs, asymmetry and intimate refinement. Baroque overwhelms with monumentality; Rococo seduces with delicacy.
