Lewking For Qween?

Ishita Kamra

10 months ago

Offering theatrical aesthetics that continue to dominate the fashion landscape, step into 2024 by peppering with appeal for maximalists. As this year it’s all about the bigger the better!

If you’ve recently found yourself struck by a desire to regularly swathe yourself in lashings of pearls, velvet and brocade, or with an appreciation for puff sleeves, romantic necklines and jacquard ballgowns, then you’re struck with Renaissance-era dressing. It’s safe to say that we’re experiencing a period of fanciful iterations of Shakespearean-inspired blouses and lacy, ruffled confections that are firmly entrenched in the season’s repertoire of must-have wardrobe items.

The runways, too, in recent seasons have witnessed an inundation of 16th-century-inspired attire, with designers presenting collections in ode to all things Renaissance. Thus, offering a reflection on this cultural zeitgeist of nostalgia, harking back to times past and decades, or centuries, gone by, in this issue we are serving up skirtfuls of whimsical escapism in a bid to ease the bitterness of the present.

Afterall, not a season goes by without a sartorial reference to ‘90s grunge or ‘70s boho-chic, as nostalgia for not-so-distant decades spills out from celebrity throwback looks and vintage relics from previous generations’ wardrobes. Also, there’s certain joie de vivre that comes from celebrating a historical aesthetic that extends back far beyond any of our memories intertwined with our own imagination.

Blessing the new year with the exaggerated aesthetic of Renaissance-era dressing fits neatly into the criteria required for trends to take off in an age when fashion is constructed with the intention to orchestrate a social media moment. So, let the fantastical Regency-era costuming, bursting with bell-skirt ballgowns awash in pastel colourways, imbued with a playful frivolity equally found in Renaissance-era dressing. It’s a moment of their own!

1. GUCCI, Plissé silk-blend lamé gown, approx. `6,90,450
2. THE ATTICO, Mini Devon crystalembellished satin mules, approx. Rs. 82,960
3. JIMMY CHOO, Avenue embellished quilted velvet clutch, approx. Rs. 90,010
4. LOEWE EYEWEAR, Screen squareframe marbled acetate sunglasses, approx. Rs. 43,800
5. OSCAR DE LA RENTA, Lozenge crystal-embellished earrings, approx. Rs. 32,520
6. ALESSANDRA RICH, crystalembellished hair pin, approx. Rs. 32,110

1. BOTTEGA VENETA, Gathered bouclé maxi dress, approx. Rs. 6,15,570
2. THE ATTICO, Cheope patentleather mules, approx. Rs. 1,34,140
3. ALEXANDER MCQUEEN, Four Ring embellished leather clutch, approx. Rs. 3,57,220
4. DOLCE & GABBANA, Kim elbowlength gloves, approx. Rs. 65,470
5. AQUAZZURA, Disco Darling gemstones bracelet, approx. Rs. 17,800
6. MAGDA BUTRYM, Roseappliqué dangle earrings, approx. Rs. 51,910

1. JENNY PACKHAM, Bright Gem embellished tulle gown, approx. Rs. 3,34,630
2. RABANNE, Gold Pixel chainmail necklace, approx. Rs. 56,480
3. STERLING KING, Ada crystal drop earrings, approx. Rs. 40,510
4. AQUAZZURA, Chain of Love 105mm sandals, approx. Rs. 1,53,560
5. PRADA, rhinestone-embellished headband, approx. Rs. 88,260
6. DOLCE & GABBANA, small Devotion leather top-handle bag, approx. Rs. 3,80,660

JENNY PACKHAM, Cape-effect embellished tulle and chiffon gown, approx. ? 3,51,090
OSCAR DE LA RENTA, Silver-tone crystal clip earrings, approx. Rs. 47,990
GIVENCHY, Kenny small embellished leather shoulder bag, approx. Rs. 1,96,350
JIMMY CHOO, Josefine 100mm crystal-embellished sandals, approx. Rs. 2,86,990
SAFIYAA, Astin embellished tulle gloves, approx. Rs. 1,98,170
DOLCE & GABBANA, Crystal-embellished tiara headband, approx. Rs. 2,69,940