TRAVEL
ate Princess Diana was a fan, and design labels such as Emilio Pucci, Christopher Kane, Prada, Gucci, Fendi and Dries Van Noten can’t get enough of it. Closer home, too, velvet is a hot topic and present in almost every Indian designer’s recent collection. Whether it is Masaba Gupta Mantena’s velvet-bordered sari or Manish Malhotra’s Bardot blouse made using the same fabric — the luxurious material is a must-have. “Velvet has a vintage feel. This is one of the main reasons it has become hot again,” says designer Swapnil Shinde. Initially preferred by many as a winter fabric, velvet has, over the years, assumed great versatility. It can now be worn throughout the year, especially if it is used as part of an ensemble’s detailing or added as an element in an outfit.
Designer Mayyur Girotra, who often uses the material in his collections, says it works well with Indian wear. “It is apt for couture and bridal wear, as the real effect of zardozi and zari work comes alive on velvet,” he says.
Here, designers tell us how to sport this plush fabric. — With inputs from designer
Archana Kochhar