Trend Report: Baroque Chain Print

By Sisi Tsoi


For fun fashion, there's currently no greater place to start than with the Chain Print trend. Exemplified by pop star Rita Ora, with her statement blend of high designer and high-street fashion, these prints bring together the trash and the couture for a striking look. Made covetable in the 1980s by Gianni Versace, these designs have experienced something of a revival lately, likely as a result of the Versace for H&M collections of the last year. Featured on bomber jackets, skater dresses and bodycon skirts, as well as more subtle accessories such as silk scarves, they have become the go to pattern for style mavens looking for something luxe and baroque, with a hip hop reference.

Chain print pieces now incorporate a large spread of pictures and colors. Classic Black and Gold can easily be found, but there are now reds, blues, greens, even fuschias. Floral and tropical patterns sit next to the eponymous chains, and even cherubs in the more normal Baroque style can be found sitting amongst the prints for those appealing to their inner art history fanatic.

There are several ways to wear the chain print trend depending on the effect you wish to achieve. For all out fashion fierceness, be brave by clashing more than one print and rocking it with confidence. This trend is all about fun! If you'd like to be a bit more classic stick to one piece but bring out the colours with the other attire you wear with it. Pair a tiger and chain print sweater with gold jeans for a bling look, or go for the red and blue patterns with a pencil skirt in one of the shades. Frequently found on bodycon dresses, wear one print with a statement pair of heels for a look which will stick out from the crowd without looking too wacky.

If you would like to play up the 1980s reference then choose a crop top or two leggings in your fave chain print, wearing with your regular jeans of oversized sweater, respectively. Don't forget to pile on the gold jewellery for an ott retro look. Add a classic pair of platform sneakers for a nod to the sports clothing trend that is taking over in Olympic fever.

However you choose to wear the chain print trend, you are sure to look fabulous. You simply can't go wrong because it's all about being over the top - so the more you pile on, the more fashion-forward trashy and glamorous you look! It's a semi-ironic homage to the excess of the 1980s, as well as a revived appreciation for traditional patterns and distinctive design. If you're stuck for inspiration, check out Rita Ora, as well as vintage Versace girls such as Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista. These girls rocked it decades ago, and yet still look incredible today.




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