Fashion Editor Nausheen Shah wears a stylish velvet suit at Paris Fashion Week. Credit: Getty
Is it ever possible to think about velvet without acquiring the nasal notes of Bobby Vinton and his 1963 hit ringing through ones brain? Reader, it is not. If you can continue through this piece without it embedding its catchy little ditty on repeat in your head for at least a half hour, you are a harder woman than I.
The velvet trend has been bubbling under for a few seasons, but now it has seriously hit its stride, and isn't going anywhere. Victoria Beckham made delicately pretty crushed velvets in glossy lilacs and sea-foam green the core of her spring summer 2017 collection, as part of her bid to make the fabric feel relevant again.
Emilia Blazer, £129, Richmond trousers, £79.50, Boden
This winter, if it moves, it comes in velvet. Lyst.com, the e‑commerce site that lists more than 9,000 brands, has noted a 45 per cent increase in stock from last year, and currently offers 4,200 velvet pieces. But where to start with such a plethora of choice?
Reassuringly for anyone with an eye for a classic, many labels have reimagined old favourites in velvet – offering an update, but not a complete upheaval. Chloé’s elegant scallop-edged ballet flats and block-heeled courts now come in delicious burgundy velvets, as do the ever-popular Susanna three-strap gold-studded ankle boots. Toga has re-worked its buckled ankle boots in black velvet, while Aquazurra has turned its Christy flat (the shoe that launched a thousand imitation ghillie style tie-up pointy flats) into very evening-friendly velvet and embellished versions. They are one of Lyst’s most searched-for items.
Posh sportswear - the fashion category that keeps on giving - has also co-opted velvet. Roberta Benteler, founder of avenue32.com is calling it “decadence for daywear” whilst Natalie Kingham, buying director of matchesfashion.com advises that “as a fabric it teams well with tweeds, silks and denims – essentially it’s very easy to wear and comfortable so it appeals for many different occasions.”
Hooded top, £30 Zara Marmarisme boots, £175 Essentiel, Printed dress, £425 Rebecca Taylor
The idea of a velvet tracksuit may bring back uncomfortable memories of Noughties velour Juicy Couture numbers. But these new incarnations are far removed from that nightmare. Chloé’s tracksuit jogging bottoms (in navy or burgundy, £670, farfetch) are fast becoming a cult hit despite the price - the French house has also produced matching sweatshirts. Both work brilliantly dressed up or down. Zara has just released a very tempting russet hooded jumper (the perfect way to jazz up your jeans, £30, Zara - and it’s machine washable).
Velvet trainers are fast winging their way up my wish list - again Zara has a cute lace up pair for £30, Boden has very sweet skater style slip on pairs (£50, boden), I’m also a great fan of Eytys navy lace ups which come with a flattering flatform sole - this will also help protect them from getting too ravaged.
Pleated skirt, £55, Topshop, Waterproof velvet jacket, £285, Keji, Nuji, Velvet sneakers, £170, Eytys, Net-a-Porter
Other sportif items include bomber jackets (a fun update on the velvet blazer), Frame has a lovely one (£505, Net-a-porter), as does Mango - in forest green (£50, mango). Newcomer brand Keji, has a scrumptious waist-tied parka style jacket - owing to the velvet pile being created from flocking on a waterproof base will repel light rain. Clever.
Practicalities, are of course a keen consideration when wearing velvet. Expensive silk mixes will be dry clean only, whilst polyester or viscose mixes tend to be hand or machine washable - always check the label before buying so you know what you’re committing to. If buying trousers - loose, wide-leg versions are particularly flattering - look for a hint of elastane to stop them bagging.
“Always hang velvet clothing, because folding can flatten the pile,” advises Anita Barr, group buying director at Harvey Nichols. “If you need to get rid of any creases, use a steamer and never an iron, and make sure to steam from the inside out.”
Champagne Benita top, £129, Hobbs, Wide leg trousers, £59, M&S, Scallop-edged block-heel velvet pumps, £365, Chloé, Matchesfashion.com
Another trick is to use a clean, new toothbrush to extricate any stains before cleaning (brush in one direction). Velvet boots, if worn away from downpours and carefully brushed after wear, should be fairly durable (Penelope Chilvers boots are steamed at the factory to make the pile extra bouncy). There are plenty of velvet bags around, too – Prada’s box clutches (see also, Zara) are the ultimate – and in practical terms, a smaller velvet bag is less likely to get damaged than a bigger day bag, which may run the risk of balding if slung around too much.
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Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/style/the-thinking-womans-guide-to-wearing-velvet/
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