Lisa ARMSTRONG

Until March h this year, whenever r anything sold well, it was probably because it t had, to a lesser r or greater degree, , beenn been hyped. Now, when n anything sells well, ll, it’s because it really does answer some practical or emotional need. I know. .

Which emotional chasm does velvet fulfil? That’s easy. That desire to look as though you’re not just holding it together, but probably planning on an evening out in the not-too-distant future.

Not that it needs to be saved for evenings, or best. In fact saving it for best is a really dumb idea, since For Best might not materialise until 2022.

Jo Hooper, founder of Nrby, reports that her silk velvet trousers and nd shirts have been flying out. “Actually it’s extraordinary how w much we’ve been n selling. I think people ople just want to feel good,” she says. Correct. But we also want to look good without too much headache. Velvet reflects the light in all kinds of ways that enhance the complexion, and soaks up colour so that even punchy shades have a defused effect. It drapes but can also be tailored tailored. This aubergine coat dress from Su Suzannah is quite the show-stoppe show-stopper and would make a chic wedding dress – she makes to order so it ca can be ordered in oyster or taupe. F For maximum top-to-toe velvet, there are Edina Ron Ronay’s hand-washable vel velvet face masks a and some velvet mules or trainers. Velvet can be zhooshed up with jewellery and silk, or dressed down w with brushed cotton blouses, denim and khakis. It’s the ultim ultimate chameleon. A neat v velvet quilted shoulder bag, with a gold chain, like this one from Aspinal, works anywhere.

It’s worth checking labels. Cotton velvet is more robust. Velour isn’t velvet at all but a knitted impostor. Velvets th that contain some silk, a although they mark e easily, are often prettier. L Learn to love the marks a as the imprints of yo your adventures.