Fashion flourishes: The age of opulence

Gilded, bejeweled, embroidered and embellished, fall’s lush extras mix old-world opulence with a fierce rock ‘n’ roll twist. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana give shoes and bags the Midas touch with gold embroidery, tapestry and needlepoint work inspired by religious traditions in their native Italy. Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz pays tribute to American billionaire Barbara Hutton with colorful, baroque-style jewelry. And Salvatore Ferragamo’s embroidered velvet boots and bags nod to decadent czarist Russia. J Brand even brings the look to the humble blue jean, in red velvet flocked brocade. Or you can borrow from the boys and go for baroque with a pair of smoking slippers, which are turning out to be a must-have shoe this season.