Wonder and Delight of Brocade Coats

Brocade is a class of richly decorative shuttle-woven fabrics, often made in colored silks and with or without gold and silver threads. The name, derived from the Italian word ‘broccato’ means embossed cloth. Ornamental features in brocade are emphasized and wrought as additions to the main fabric, sometimes stiffening it, though more frequently producing the effect of low relief. In some, but not all, brocades, these additions present a distinctive appearance on the back. With the contemporary fashion world’s obsession with individual expression and quirkiness, the eclectic ethnic vibe of brocade has led to a revived interest in this opulent luxury fabric.

And one of the most prominent trends utilizing brocade is the Brocade Coat. The brocade coat implies texture, contrast, gloss, gleam, sheen, gold and goddess glitz. The effect is to shock and delight with unusual rich complexity. The Brocade coat almost seems mysterious in its opulence, giving the impression of belonging in a distant eastern bazaar or renaissance faire. Till a few years back brocade coats were limited to haute couture and barely visible subcultures. However, with opulence now a mainstream desirable, brocade coats are dazzling, glittering and shimmering on the runways, a-list events and red carpet events. These coats are almost always well made and usually have lots of detailing and unusual buttons that set them apart from contemporary outerwear. Moreover, they add shimmer to give richness and opulent effects to winter coats, normally reserved for women’s evening wear.

These coats can be worn on the basis of how each particular piece is paired off. Some of the popular combinations are:

• Chinese brocade perfectly combine oriental art with modern fashion making these coats suitable for women either on casual or formal occasions.
• Fine and soft silk brocade coats with golden floral patterns are quite a rage too. Adding Chinese handmade frog buttons and detailing like gold-colored binding on the round neckline and front edges gives this style a fab quotient.
• These coats are tailored with full lining, so you will be comfortable in them. Considering their visual domination, be careful with accessories and limit yourself to delicate pieces.
• These coats are suitable for work wear too if chosen in subtler colors. Combined with formal pants, an appropriate clutch and closed shoes, you will be a graceful yet professional at the same time.
• For the casual after work look, you may choose any pair of jeans with the coat, combined with a fitted tee just peeking out of the coat. Add a pair of heels for a night on the town or flats for a casual date.
• Wearing these coats with jeans, leggings and short boots or for work with a fitted sweater that shows your sleeve is the stratosphere of high fashion.

Due to its uniqueness, distinctive and unusual designs and textures, you will be hard pressed to find authentic and affordable brocade coats in most stores. The web and its vast resource of online retailers is the most appropriate route to take if you are looking for that special unique piece. The prices will vary according to materials used, ownership and the design house.