FASHION WEEK TREND: ROYAL RALLY
Like any art form, fashion is a medium in which artists can promote their philosophical or political perspectives. In that sense, these designers were perhaps showing loyalty to the crown with their work in black and gold. Polished enough to be regal, but bold enough to show hints of that famous underlying fury, these looks speak to the mixed heritage of House Baratheon.
The Baratheons are descended from two dynasties. Orys Baratheon was one of Aegon the Conqueror’s finest generals and allegedly also his bastard brother. During the War of Conquest, Orys slew Argilac the Arrogant, the last Storm King. As a reward, Aegon gave Orys the Stormlands and installed him at Storm’s End. Orys also took the king’s daughter as his wife and adopted her family’s words, banners and title. Thus, in House Baratheon we have a marriage of Valyrian nobility with the pre-Conquest Westerosi royalty. It is this unique element that shows through in these garments. We can see a nod to the legacy, power and sophistication of the Valyrian Freehold. But at the same time, we can sense the weathered, rugged, fearless pride of the Storm Kings. With the ascent of King Robert to the Iron Throne, House Baratheon began to write its own story in the book of kings. No one can say what those pages will hold, but one thing is certain: the Storm Lords will always be a force to be reckoned with.
If only there were a Lady Baratheon! (young Shireen doesn’t count!)
