Monochrome Monday: The Gold Flake Edition

Gold has long been linked to opulence and luxury, with its association to the sun, from the ancient Egyptians, who viewed it as a symbol of immortality, to the Inca civilisation in 13th-16th century South America, who believed it to be the sweat of the gods. 

This precious metal has adorned royalty and nobility throughout history, with crowns, sceptres, and ceremonial garments often crafted in gold, like the imperial crown of the Roman Empire, made of 22-carat gold. 

Beyond its secular significance, gold has also held a prominent place in religious traditions, used to embellish sacred objects and structures like the Church of La Compañía in Quito, covered entirely in gold sheets.

In the realm of fashion, gold has been equally important, translated into rich fabrics and dyes. The Art Deco period witnessed a resurgence of gold's popularity, embracing it as a symbol of glamour and modernity in flapper dresses featuring gold embellishments and accessories. 

Today, gold appears in everything from haute couture to runways, with houses like Chanel and Versace often including gold in their collections, such as Chanel’s Pre-Fall 2019 collection and Versace’s 1997 Couture Fashion Show, emphasising its association with high fashion. Regional designers continue to experiment with the colour, incorporating it into metallic fabrics, intricate embroideries, and bold accessories.