hello you, Fabric oF the season
Velvet is ruling the roost this Fall. It’s all about a clean look sans embroidery and embellishment. Just enough to be edgy
Velvet is one those fabrics that is always around in fall — usually reserved for use as a trim or for a finishing detail. But now, this smooth and sumptuous weave has got an upgrade, as velvet goes under the spotlight. So much so, that the main fashion window of Harvey Nichols in the Mall of the Emirates is dedicated to velvet. It all started last fall, as fashion developed a serious crush — be it Alberta Ferretti’s soft pink pajamas styled two-piece ensemble, Valentino’s long sack gowns or Bottega Veneta’s sharp tuxedos — velvet was the fabric of choice. And this velvet renaissance has now has turned into a real love affair.
Traditionally, velvet is associated with the aristocracy as it is a fabric of indulgence. Velvet has to be produced on a special loom that can weave two thicknesses of the cloth simultaneously. It used to be made of silk — adding to its lustre and of course, its price. High fashion labels even today, always use the silk version of this fabric. The art of velvet weaving originated in the Far East — European royalty was known to favour robes made of this soft and striking fabric. And this fall, its grand return to the forefront of fashion befits these very noble roots. For one, it continues to be something that those with a taste for the finer things want to garb themselves in.
Salma Hayek, who besides being one of the movie industry’s most stylish women, is the wife of fashion mogul François Henri Pinault (the CEO of Kering Group that owns brands like Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen), chose to wear a Stella McCartney deep red suit in velvet while attending the recent edition of Paris Fashion Week with her husband. At last month’s Emmy Awards, nominated actor Shailene Woodley wore a custom-made Ralph Lauren emerald green velvet gown with a plunging neckline. While she missed out on an Emmy as her Big Little Lies co-star Laura Dern walked away with the award for Best Supporting actress in a limited series or television movie, her choice of dress made everyone green with envy. Other celebrities who have been spotted resplendent in velvet are Nicole Kidman, Zoe Kravitz, Kate Moss and Katie Holmes. Rich yet understated, extravagance without being overpowering — these are the properties that make it a fabric worth falling in love with — velvet combines grandeur with grace.
The fact that velvet keeps you warm, yet is not too heavy, makes this a cloth of special interest for this region, known for its mild winters and its love for dressing up. Elie Saab, Racil and Dubai’s Ayesha Depala have all included velvet in their collections. The key is to keep it “cool” and to stay away from anything that reminds of its “ceremonial” origins. So, a clean look sans embroidery and embellishment is what gives velvet its edge for Fall 2017. As with any trend, you need to apply some restraint when wearing velvet. Never dress head-to-toe in this fabric — though adding some velvet accessories to a pair of jeans and sweater or your favourite Little Black Dress is a great way to update your classic pieces. Gucci’s GG Marmont velvet shoulder bag, or Aquazzura velvet sandals and Attico’s wide velvet belt are simple ways to add some velvet charm to your look. Or if you are not a ‘designer’ girl, and do not want to break the bank to wear this most regal of fabrics, opt for contemporary labels like Sandro and Kooples. Fast fashion favourites like Zara and Mango have also included velvet in their collections. Sometimes though, it is best to invest in that one special piece, especially with the festive season around the corner — like Elie Saab’s green lace and velvet slip dress, or the bright yellow Monse yellow highlow top. Both are pieces you will want to keep forever. They are both deliciously decadent and have a feel of relaxed refinement — and that is what good dressing around the festive season is all about.