Velvet Coats

When you think of velvet, what are the images that come to mind? Is it middle-aged Lotharios in smoking jackets talking pretentiously to you from their library introducing the latest Masterpiece Theatre? Is it curtains and pillows from a 17th century opium den? Is it over-the-hill rockers wearing oversized velvet shirts to hide their paunches while they pair it with leggings that incongruously showcase their chicken legs? Is it seductive ladies wearing lingerie cleverly fashioned to look like the suit of St. Nick? Well, wipe these images out of your thoughts forever, for velvet is beginning to reclaim its former glory in the fashion world.

Once as prized and as valuable as silk, velvet was used in royal robes (and not just the every day ones, but the uber-special ceremonial ones), and castle furnishings and art by master craftsmen and artisans. While velvet admittedly stumbled on its path a bit in recent centuries with its less illustrious associations, designers are bringing back this sumptuous and luxuriant fabric in a variety of ways. Velvet is beginning to distance itself from its bad crowd, and begin to fall in with the right sort of clothes.

Velvet is more often a feminine fabric, and is not seen in men’s clothing much except for the occasional royal gear as mentioned above; however, on special occasions it can serve as a discrete lining in a menswear trench coat. It is unfortunate, however, when velvet is abused in such a way as to be forced to construct an entire tuxedo; this is a crime against fashion, and severely punishable. Friends do not let friends wear too much velvet.
Young girls can look adorable in miniature pea coats or blazers in velvet, with a matching velvet bow in their hair. Because of the texture and pattern of the fabric, velvet has always held dyes extremely well, and so can be turned out into the most vibrant shades, such as jewel tones and animal prints. Women are seeing velvet in blazers and fitted jackets, as well as in the linings or trim of other coat styles, such as the trench coat and pea coat. Velvet can sport a matte finish, or a shinier style, as in crushed velvet. Helping the return of velvet is the fact that improved manufacturing processes and synthetic fibers have made velvet more affordable, so you don’t have to be royalty or a rock star (or only have enough money for a tiny underwear set) in order to sport it.


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Fever Corsage Coat From Look Again , 1105, 40%, 43½, 60%, clean, cm, corsage, dry, fitted, ins, mix, tailored, velvet, viscose, wool... £137.02	REDOUTE CREATION Coat, Length 110 cm From La Redoute , &, 10%, 100%, 110, 165, 20%, 70%, belt, cashmere, centre, cm, coat, coats, collar, cut, detachable, front, jackets, la, lined, loops, neckline, plus, pockets, polyamide, polyester, redoute, seam, shoulders, slanted, straight, tailored, velvet, waistb... £165.00	REDOUTE CREATION Coat, Length 120 cm From La Redoute , &, 10%, 100%, 120, 165, 20%, 70%, belt, cashmere, centre, cm, coat, coats, collar, cut, detachable, front, jackets, la, lined, loops, neckline, plus, pockets, polyamide, polyester, redoute, seam, shoulders, slanted, straight, tailored, velvet, waistb... £179.00
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