Bring Back The Drama: Why Fashion Needs Royal Energy Again

Don’t get me wrong — I love a minimalist, chic red carpet look just as much as the next person. But there’s just a part of me that really misses fun and fantasy: that era of regal fashion. Maybe I've been scrolling on Pinterest for too long, seeing images of Marie Antoinette in dresses that are layered, laced, frilled and most importantly, unapologetically extravagant.

In a society that thrives off understatement and “quiet luxury”, I'd love to see the return of bold gowns that demand attention—true 18th-century style.

When gowns still made us dream

If we’re talking about fashion influencers, to me, Marie Antoinette was the OG- a cinched silhouette corset, a full sweeping skirt, opera gloves, and pearls (and just to note, amazing posture!).

The best thing about fashion during this period?

The silks, the fabrics, every thread of stitching told a story; the outfits took up space and shouted: I exist, loudly and proudly. It was dramatic, romantic, powerful, and a form of art and rebellion- the sort of fashion that turns heads when you walk into a room.

Today’s red-carpet minimalism 

Somewhere along the lines, it feels as though red-carpet looks have lost their magic. Today, sleek silhouettes, neutral tones and clean dressing prosper. Beautiful and elegant? Yes. In the same breath, do I miss maximalism? Absolutely.

There’s nothing I love more than when fashion is used as a form of expression. The 18^th century wasn’t afraid of excess and using fashion as a form of emotion and declaration. Whilst the beige tones and effortless glamour of the likes of Sofia Richie’s looks, are great, I can’t help but miss the theatrical and decadently boldness of glamour.

Bringing back the fantasy

Now, we can’t ignore that there has been somewhat of a revival of that gothic, self-expressive fashion in more recent times.

Think, 2022 Met Gala and the Gilded Glamour dress code. My standouts were Dua Lipa in her vintage Chanel Ball gown and Laura Harrier in a custom H&M gown. They just further proved that larger-than-life couture always works.

Take Simone Rocha, one of my favourite contemporary designers. To put it simply, her designs are gothic fairytales reimagined for the 21^st century.

Key features of Simon Rocha’s designs:

• Silks and Lace
• Romantic colour palettes
• Ruffled collars
• Voluminous Tule
• Sculptural Puff Sleeves
• Pearls (not just simply as jewellery but as powerful armour)

As you can probably tell, wearing a Rocha piece is like stepping into a delicate vintage painting, but with some edge. I’m sure Marie Antoinette would approve

We may have grown accustomed to understated elegance, but I can’t deny that there’s something thrilling about a gown- frills, corsets, pearls and attitude- totally owning the room. They’re unapologetic, unforgettable and full of personality.

There’s a certain sense of flair in Marie Antoinette's style that I would love to see the revival of in fashion today. Because after all, maybe fashion doesn’t need another trend- it needs a little theatre!

Fizzypicks: The Modern Marie Antoinette Edit