Velvet is a textile of material significance. Historically, it has been the cloth of choice for crowned heads and owners of papal mitres. Velvet is such a physical imprint of indulgence – so soft, so textured, so light-catching and multi-dimensional – that people of pared-back tastes recoil from it like a freegan vegan would from an overlarge portion of gooey chocolate cake. It’s rich and tempting, but it’s not for everyone.
As velvet is synonymous with overindulgence, it is perfectly paired with the festive period. Readers of a certain age will remember, as children, wearing velvet dresses with lace collars sent from well-to-do American cousins and the inevitable drama that would arise once turkey gravy was spilled all over them. However, this year, velvet has a decidedly grown-up flavour to it – and it’s accessible and easy to wear.
Five hundred years ago Venice, the centre of traditional velvet weaving, had 6,000 looms. Today, only one remains in operation. Tessiture Bevilacqua Venezia has woven silk velvet for the White House and the Kremlin and the precious material can cost hundreds of euros per metre. However, with progress in technology came a surge in production. The mass-produced cotton and synthetic velvet found in shops all over the world may not have the cachet its luxury counterpart maintains, but the material has become more democratic and accessible.
0 of 3
Crushed or smooth
This winter, alternate between velvet and its crushed companion. Fuchsia crushed velvet trousers from Topshop Boutique (€155) are ideal for making an impression with very little effort. Pair with a black roll-neck jumper and classic sneakers for day, or with heels and a black leather jacket for a textural contrast.
A velvet dress is never a bad idea. Choose slightly relaxed shapes or body skimming silhouettes to tamp down the childishness of Christmas dresses past. For example a shift dress shift from Heatons (€25) is an amalgamation of two winter trends (embroidery and velvet) that remains festive without being garish or grabby.
Consider a velvet suit. Part Yves Saint Laurent, part Studio 54, the velvet suit needs a silk pussy bow blouse underneath to complete (or wear with nothing if you’re feeling daring).
For velvet dilettantes, there are always accessories. Wear one of the velvet chokers that are flooding the high street or, if that’s too ubiquitous, a velvet heel. Purple pointed pumps from Asos (€60, pictured) would pair well with a pencil skirt or sharply engineered, cropped trousers. Just don’t get them wet.
