Overt Regal Opulence

Fashion loves a good narrative doesn't it?  It is arguably one of the most important tools in the fashion promoters arsenal. The narrative of an Editorial, Look book, Advert, Runway or event is imperative to the portrayal of the brands ideologies and values is shown through the narrative of the imagery. Narrative also helps to create situations that the consumer can identify with to create envy and a desire for emulation.

One of the most successful narratives for this is the 'Overt Regal Opulence' Narrative depicting models lavishly draped in all manner of luxurious materials adorned with crowns or large ostentatious headwear often themselves sprawled across a beautifully curated garden or room full of wonderfully extravagant furniture. This depiction of Regal bliss is the perfect mixture for consumers to identify with the 'idea' and envy it enough to want to emulate something that in reality can never really be achieved.

This is a narrative trend that fashion returns to time and time again, every time satin, lace, gold, velvet or ornate adornments are in fashion. This is the narrative that brands use. It could stem from peoples obsession with fairytales or history particularly figures like Marie Antoinette crop up a lot in fashion films such as the 2006 film 'Marie Antoinette' Directed by Sophia Coppola staring Kirsten Dunst or in the editorial shot by Annie Leibovitz for Teen Vogue once again depicting Dunst as Antoinette.

The Regal Opulence narrative has also been used by brands such as Dolce & Gabbana for fall 2013 or Dior's 2015 Secret garden short starring Rihanna.

An Example of when this trend has been used for an event rather than for an advert is when we saw the The Metiers d'Art show transformed into a stunning display of wealth and regal opulence with long tables bedecked in silverware a mighty feast with colossal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling for Karl Lagerfieldls Chanel Runway for 2003. It was a perfect example of  when the baroque nature of this trend was taken and ran with to create a complete spectacle that left the viewer in awe. 

It could be argued that this trend is somewhat encouraging grotesque materialism however because of the nature and logic of fashion, this explains perfectly why this trend is so successful and repeated so often.  

I personally find this narrative so unforgivably ostentatious that I can see the allure and why fashion just loves to keep returning to it can't you? 

Much love K x