Gilded fashion, emblematic of the late 19th-century Gilded Age, continues to be an inspiration today, illustrated by The Met Gala: Gilded Glamour 2022. By combining historical grandeur with modern design sensibilities, Alexander McQueen, Dolce Gabbana, and Christian Dior also embraced gilded fashion in their collections. The historical fashion aesthetic began when notable designers like Charles Frederick Worth, considered the father of haute couture, catered to elite clients with custom-made gowns with intricate embellishment.

What Is Gilded Fashion?

Gilded Fashion is maximal, with lace, crystal trimmings and even bird wings.

A reflection of the opulence, extravagance, and the societal obsession with wealth, grandeur and status of the era, this style is characterised by luxurious fabrics, intricate embroidery, lace and beading.

Gilded fashion refers to the extravagant and luxurious styles that originated during the Gilded Age (1870–1900), a period marked by rapid industrialisation, economic growth, and societal transformation in the United States. This fashion era is known for its opulence, with garments crafted from velvet, silk and satin, with intricate embroidery, lace, and beading. It was a time when fashion was a clear marker of wealth and status, with individuals using clothing to project affluence and sophistication.

Today, the allure of gilded fashion persists as it inspires modern fashion designers and cultural movements. Its interpretation in red carpet events, haute couture, and even sustainable fashion highlights its timeless relevance. The modern interpretation of gilded fashion combines historical grandeur with a sleek aesthetic.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Origins and Rise of Gilded Fashion
  • The influence of Orientalism on Gilded Fashion
  • What Is the Relevance of Gilded Fashion Today?
  • FAQs on Integrating Gilded Fashion Into Our Wardrobe

Origins and Rise of Gilded Fashion

The origins of gilded fashion are deeply rooted in the socio-economic landscape of the late 19th century. The Gilded Age, a term coined by Mark Twain, was a time of immense wealth disparity where industrial magnates and the upper class showcased their riches through lavish lifestyles and clothing. European influence, particularly from Victorian and Edwardian styles, played a significant role in shaping the era’s fashion trends.

Notable designers like Charles Frederick Worth, considered the father of haute couture, catered to elite clients with custom-made gowns featuring intricate embellishments.

Per CNN: ‘During the Gilded Age, you were what you wore, as Strasdin noted it was the period when branding from fashion houses was a novel concept. Many American women at the time bought their status-securing dresses from Paris from the pioneers of haute couture: Charles Worth, Jacques Doucet, Paul Poiret and Madame Jeanne Paquin.’

Fashion became maximal, with lace, crystal trimmings and even bird wings. Under their elaborate gowns, women wore corsets, crinolines and steel springs to achieve the right silhouette. Women’s roles in society began to shift during the Gilded Age, with the rise of socialites like Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt, who used fashion to cement their social standing. Lavish balls, such as Vanderbilt’s fancy-dress ball in 1883 titled Petit Chateau became platforms for showcasing extravagant gowns. Photographs show the host wore an elaborate Venetian-style gown inspired by Renaissance-era fashion.

Textile techniques like beading, hand embroidery and draping became symbols of craftsmanship, with dressmakers combining artistry and luxury fabrics to create unique garments. “Women’s dresses often featured a combination of many textiles, like satin, silk, velvet, and fringe, all adorned with over-the-top textures like lace, bows, frills, and ruffles,” Vogue writes.

“It is very embellished, very exaggerated, very structured,” fashion historian and curator Kate Strasdin said of Gilded Age style in a video interview with CNN. “It feels so upholstered compared to the way that we think about dress now.”

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The influence of Orientalism on gilded fashion

Orientalism also influenced gilded fashion. This artistic fascination, rooted in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, saw the West romanticise the mystique of the Orient, leading to elaborate interpretations in haute couture and ready-to-wear. Gilded fashion, characterised by luxurious fabrics, intricate embroidery, and gold embellishments, frequently incorporates elements borrowed from Eastern traditions, such as brocades or patterns reminiscent of Persian rugs. 

A notable example is the work of John Galliano, who, during his tenure at Dior, repeatedly channelled Orientalist themes. His Spring 2004 Haute Couture, for instance, featured models clad in garments echoing the opulence of Qing dynasty robes, reimagined through Western lens. This celebrated the visual allure of Eastern aesthetics and highlighted the cross-cultural dialogue in fashion.

Fashion designers continue to revisit Orientalist influences, imbuing gilded fashion with both historical and modern relevance. Alexander McQueen Autumn Winter 2011, Angels and Demons, masterfully combined elements of Byzantine and Japanese art, pairing gilded, heavily embellished gowns with motifs borrowed from traditional kimono designs. Similarly, Elie Saab often incorporates Arabic influences, such as geometric embroidery and golden filigree, drawing upon the architectural grandeur of the Middle East.

While the artistic influence of Orientalism in gilded fashion enriches the global fashion narrative, it also raises questions about cultural appropriation versus appreciation. This ongoing conversation challenges fashion designers to approach such inspirations with greater cultural sensitivity, ensuring that homage does not reinforce stereotypes or erase the original context.

What Is the Relevance of Gilded Fashion Today?

Gilded fashion remains relevant in modern times as a symbol of artistic opulence and a source of inspiration for contemporary fashion designers. By combining historical grandeur with modern design sensibilities, Alexander McQueen, Dolce Gabbana, and Christian Dior have embraced gilded fashion in their collections. McQueen often fuses Victorian elegance with dark romanticism while Dolce Gabbana gilded gowns celebrate intricate hand embroidery and gold embellishment reminiscent of the Gilded Age.

What is Gilded Fashion?

Blake Lively at Met Gala 2022. Image: Instagram account of Met Gala

Iconic fundraiser Met Gala celebrated gilded fashion in 2022. Themed Gilded Glamour And White Tie, celebrities wore ornate ensembles that paid homage to the opulence of the era as they entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Emma Stone wore a Louis Vuitton dress with feather trim while Sarah Jessica Parker wore a Christopher John Rogers gown accessorised with a Philip Treacy headpiece. Kendall Jenner wore a Prada gown with ruffles, Hailey Beiber wore a Saint Laurent silk halter gown and coordinated coat with feather trim, and Gigi Hadid wore a latex bodysuit, oversized coat and boots.

Blake Lively and Billie Eilish wore elaborate gowns inspired by Gilded Age aesthetics, showcasing its modern-day appeal. Per Grazia: “Blake Lively’s Met Gala 2022 look is inspired by all things New York, from the constellation pattern that parallels the Grand Central Station’s ceiling to the crystal pattern reminiscent of the Empire State Building. The dress was made of tulle, embroidered jewels, and red copper foil that twisted into a bow. Lively undid the bow for the gown’s epic reveal: a blue foil train inspired by the Statue of Liberty.”

The era’s opulent fashion history earned a lot of attention through web series “The Gilded Age” on HBO. The show follows two young women in New York society, navigating the changing landscape of old and nova riches. Costume designer Kasia Walicka-Maimone told Variety, “It’s very much a period that gives us a lot to experiment with, and lots to draw from and lots to play.”

The resurgence of gilded fashion has also extended to sustainable luxury. Brands like Stella McCartney integrate rich, opulent designs with eco-friendly practices, proving that extravagance and sustainability can coexist.

What is Gilded Fashion?

Gigi Hadid at Met Gala 2022. Image: Instagram account of Met Gala

FAQs on Integrating Gilded Fashion Into Our Wardrobe

How can gilded fashion be adapted for everyday wear?
Incorporate gilded elements like brocade jackets, embroidered tops, or lace details into casual outfits. Pair statement pieces with modern staples like jeans or tailored trousers for balance.

Are gilded accessories enough to achieve the look?
Yes, accessories like statement necklaces, chandelier earrings, or embellished clutches can instantly elevate any outfit, giving it a gilded touch without being overwhelming.

What fabrics should one look for when embracing gilded fashion?
Opt for luxurious fabrics such as velvet, satin, and brocade. These materials exude richness and can be incorporated into modern silhouettes for a contemporary take on gilded fashion.

Can gilded fashion work in minimalist wardrobes?
Absolutely. Focus on one or two statement pieces, such as a gold-accented blazer or an embroidered dress, to add a touch of opulence while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.

Is gilded fashion suitable for formal occasions only?
No, gilded fashion can be adapted for various occasions. Subtle touches, like metallic accents or lace details, can make it versatile for both casual and formal settings.

what is Gilded Fashion?

Gilded Fashion can be adapted for various occasions today.