Trend of the week: Velvet

Feel good fabrics at your fingertips.

INSPIRATION

Velvet gets a bad rap. Often associated with fusty furnishings, Goths and period dramas, the lineage of this fabric is sadly overlooked.

The mainstay of China’s Qin and Han dynasties, European nobility and 1920s high society, the short thick pile has proven its mettle well into the 21st century.

Disco and glam rock aside, this season sees a redux of plush dresses, crushed trousers and richly decadent suits on which to pin our sartorial hopes.

NOTES FROM THE CATWALK

GUCCI: Pair your velvet dress with a ruffle blouse, pearls and demure Mary Janes for a Victoriana twist.

VETEMENTS: A velvet overcoat takes summer’s shirt dress and over-the-knee boots combo into cooler climes.

ALBERTA FERRETTI: A tricky trend but one that’s here to stay. The velvet pyjama suit trends well into spring/summer 17.

EMPORIO ARMANI: Any maximalists out there? A velvet jacket and wide leg trouser suit looks surprisingly chic with a matching embellished velvet crop top.