Go for Brocade!

You guessed it darlings, B is for Brocade!

This regal embossed cloth (or Jacquard, named for the French inventor of the first automatic loom, 1801) is woven with an elaborate design that lends the fabric a raised pattern. Designers are delighting in the possibilities for sumptuous, thick brocade, as evinced on the fall 2008 runways.
Carolina Herrera did it best, in CC's humble opinion (see top left)

Note: runway photos in this post via nymag.com unless otherwise credited.

At right:

Jean Paul Gaultier Couture brocade in bright pink;

detail photo courtesy style.com
Jean Paul Gaultier Couture fur-trim jacquard blazer;

photo courtesy style.com
DKNY had a scrumptious selection of metallic brocades for Autumn!
Angel Sanchez pale brocade dress - note the unique neckline and lovely sculptural floral hem detail!
Biba tunic - CC loves the exaggerated shoulder!
Monique Lhuillier tapestry shift - pure luxury!
Pamella Roland black brocade gown with feather detail; how truly opulent!
Phillip Lim gold brocade mini dress - note how this textured, printed frock is a layering piece for a patterned topper in an entirely different, muted color palette; don't be afraid to experiment with jacquard!
What to buy:
A brocade dress or skirt is essential for fall!
Rachel Roy Max metallic shift, at shopbop.com;

simply exquisite, and an interesting alternative to the LBD, right?
Christian Lacroix silk dress, at net-a-porter.com
Etro brocade bodice sheath. Visit bergdorfgoodman.com
Notte by Marchesa metallic shift, currently on sale at net-a-porter.com
Carolina Herrera full-skirted floral jacquard dress, at Neiman Marcus
Vera Wang black brocade inverted pleat strapless, at bluefly.com

CC loves the shape of this Alexander McQueen Peacock jacquard dress. Ah, if only money were no object . . .

Visit saks.com.
Wendy Katlen navy metallic brocade shift. Go to bluefly.com
If you can swing it, a lovely brocade coat might be in order for autumn!
Try this 3.1 Phillip Lim swirl-print trench coat; photo courtesy elle.com.

CC feels that this is an investment piece that will weather the test of time.
CC is also enamored of this girly and fabulous Miu Miu Princess coat.

Visit net-a-porter.com to buy this swingy stunner. Loving the shorter length!
CC would stick her neck out for this J. Crew Metallic Giraffe day coat!
Combining two fall trends in one – florals and brocade: a sumptuous Oscar de la Renta coat, available at Bergdorf Goodman New York
Milly brocade tunic, on sale for $120 at net-a-porter.com.

How perfect would this top be with some black skinnies?
Whether pencil or full, a brocade skirt is ideal for autumn:
Paul & Joe Auplus metallic jacquard skirt, at net-a-porter.com
Above:

DKNY metallic brocade skirt, at shopbop.com

At right:
Bill Blass mosaic brocade skirt, at net-a-porter.com

Brocade accessories are a rich addition to your autumn wardrobe, and, as always, a way to ease into any trend.

Runway inspiration: Matthew Williamson brocade bootie, via style.com

Dolce & Gabbana jacquard and leather lace-up and buckle ankle boot; this photo and next via elle.com
At left:

How incredibly fierce is this Cesare Paciotti brocade boot?

Below:

Chloe brocade purse, at yoox.com

At right:

For the truly adventurous fashionista, there is the brocade fingerless glove. Go to glovedup.com.

Below:

Christian Lacroix gold jacquard pump, at yoox.com

Oscar de la Renta satin brocade pump, at net-a-porter.com.

What a wonderful way to add a pop of color, interest, and glamour to your ensemble!

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