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• December 23, 2008
• Street Fashion

Strike Gold: Amber Waves With an Edge Hit the City Streets

By Kelley Hoffman

Gold has long been a symbol of riches and wealth, but as the economic roads grow a little rockier, its appearance in fashion is taking an equally textural path. We're seeing it all over clothing and accessories in chunky forms, whether it be punk studs, bauble'ish trims, medieval chain-metal, or mirrored shards. Layered over black with an almost armor-like feel, we like the details arranged in a way that's halfway between geometric and a bit gaudy.

This tough-chic trend started picking up major steam during Paris Fashion Week, and we love how its fittingly representative of the luxury world's own ornamentally, rebellious phase (fighting for its survival, maybe?). Check out some of the street style examples we've mined—and from the look of things, this gold rush seems poised to keep its value for a few seasons more.

Above, from left: Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte shoes, photo via JD Ferguson for V magazine, New York; golden chain mail, photo via Garance Doré, Paris.

Above: Golden armored jacket, photo via Jak and Jil, Paris.

Above, from left: A studded clutch shines, photo via Hel Looks, Helsinki; tough cuffs, photo via Lookbook, Argentina.




Above, from left: Full metal jacket, photo via Jak and Jil, Paris; studded shoulder pads, photo via Face Hunter, Sydney.




Above, from left: Metal-flecked shirt, photo via Lookbook, Ukraine; more gold chain mail, photo via Lookbook, Australia; gold embellishments create a trompe l'oeil necklace, photo via Street Peeper.