Velvet was once royal and it hasn’t forgotten about that. Even though the industrial revolution has made velvet affordable to the masses, it still remains a fabric that stands out from the crowd. Gordon Richardson, creative director of Topman, explains the fabric’s appeal: “Velvet is one of those perennial classics that are faintly nostalgic, reminiscent of simpler, noble times,” he says. “And it is particularly good at taking on colour due to its sumptuous depth of pile.” And indeed, some of the richest colors can be produced when dying velvet. Although velvet is a lavish fabric, you can easily wear an all-velvet outfit and still not look as if you’re exhibiting this year’s high-end upholstery fabrics. “There is an overriding sex appeal to velvet,” says Tony Glenville, creative director at London College of Fashion. Continue Reading
