Brocade fabrics were used by many designers for AW 2015/16. Brocade is a class of richly decorative fabrics often made in colored silks and with or without metallic threads. The name comes from the Italian verb broccare – to stud, set with nails which links brocade to its upholstery lineage.

A standout for the season was Erdem who can always be counted on for interesting prints. Like this lovely pink dress. Mario de Vincenzo showed brocade in a modern way with a striped dress. Not a household name but Mario is an “it” designer. He, along with Silvia Venturini Fendi, created the peek-a-boo bag which has reached cult status.

The master of brocade this season was Dries Van Noten. He not only did beautiful brocade gowns but also used it for jackets, skirts and pants. A piece like this in your wardrobe would elevate work wear to high style wear.

PAPER ART

The Japanese paper I use for the dolls is so close to brocade it was hard for me to decide on one look – one paper. While researching this trend I came across this gorgeous dress from Etro which used a patchwork of brocades to create the dress. It’s this dress that provided the inspo for this week’s doll look.

Photo Credits

All runway from Style.com runway archives.

Doll – Lori Tonizzo