Trend Report: Velvet
One of our favorite historical figures—the delightfully droll Benjamin Franklin—once said that you should, "never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today." While this bit of anti-procrastination wisdom may have helped Mr. Franklin frame the constitution of the United States and discover a little thing we call electricity, we also think it is an apt adage regarding fashion. Considering that you will soon be inundated with holiday soiree invites and cocktail parties galore, why not start wearing an of-the-moment eveningwear trend today? The specific trend we're referring to was featured on some of our favorite runways and is already turning up on the most watched style stars, which means that it's time for you, dear readers, to get reacquainted with velvet!
The proof of today's trend was on the fall runways, where we saw loads of velvet separates, ranging from paper bag pencil skirts (like the Gathered Velvet Skirt
($1550) designed by Hannah MacGibbon for Chloé) to brocade coats (seen at Prada). And while it's true that this luxurious fabric calls to mind the excess of the eighties (a reference perfectly executed by Marc Jacobs' Asymmetric Velvet Dress
($1990) F/W 09 collection) and nineties grunge (we can thank Erin Wasson for ushering that trend), our favorite velvet-focused looks are neither wildly dramatic nor distressed. Rather, they feature simple silhouettes and rich gem tones, two factors that allow the material to shine. Naturally, we're not the only ones harboring a velvet crush. In fact, all sorts of stylish ladies, from on-screen ingénues to catwalk queens, are indulging in the season's best fancy fabric trend.
To begin our examination of how today's trendsetters are wearing velvet now, let us first consider the lovely Isabel Lucas. For the 500 Days of Summer premiere, the Transformers-star chose Giambattista Valli's Ruched Silk and Velvet Cocktail Dress ($1995, 212.753.7300) in a delicious shade of aubergine. As you can see, the purple palate perfectly shows off the luster of the frock's panne velvet draped top and prim hemline. If you'd like to create an outfit with a similar vibe, simply pair Marc Jacobs' Velvet Pencil Skirt
($550) with a silk top to get a flip-flopped Lucas look.
Another fantastic way to work velvet into your winter wardrobe is best illustrated by art director Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, seen here during Paris Fashion Week. Restoin-Roitfeld looked very much like fashion royalty in her effortless mini, though it is her styling choices that really elevate her outfit. She deftly mixed her Miu Miu Navy Velvet Shirt Dress ($940, 212.334.5156) with a cool shrunken moto (the Leather Biker Jacket ($2250), also from Miu Miu) to bring a little edge to her elegant ensemble. This easy-going silhouette is ideal for any work-related holiday event and will act as a grounding piece for statement jewelry and killer shoes. Be sure to check out Vince's Velvet Dress ($325) for a dead-ringer of JRR's versatile selection.
Jessica Alba also opted for a Miuccia Prada design when she attended the fifth annual Clinton Global Initiative party held at New York City's Museum of Modern Art. The rich scarlet hue of Alba's Leopardo Jacquard Velvet Dress ($3255, 310.550.5900) is spot-on for any festive occasion and can be tempered with a pair of opaque tights and high-heeled ankle booties. Of course, if you would rather not splurge on a right-from-the-runway selection, try Rachel Roy's Velvet 24 Hour Dress
($139) instead. As the name implies, it’s the perfect piece to rock around the clock this holiday season!
But if you'd prefer to mix a smaller element of velvet into your winter rotation, consider Jacquetta Wheeler for your ensemble role model. Though Wheeler, seen here en route to a Vogue-hosted event at the Saatchi Gallery in London, mixed a Marc by Marc Jacobs shrunken coat from the F/W 05 season with a Balenciaga top and Stella McCartney printed pants, there are a lot of other luxurious cover-up options currently available. For example, Twenty8Twelve's Velvet Jacket
($415) or Topshop's Velvet Swing Shrug ($60) are two smart outerwear options that will help you achieve Wheeler's richly layered look.
Needless to say, whatever your style is (be it full-blown fancy or just an elegant accent), in today's story you are guaranteed to find some seriously chic ways to incorporate velvet into your wardrobe. And while Mr. Franklin probably didn't have holiday get-ups in mind, whether it's a divine dress or a heavenly coat or skirt, velvet will absolutely help you achieve sartorial success today and everyday for months to come!
Photos of Jessica Alba, Isabel Lucas, from Splash; Photo of Julia Restoin Roitfeld, from Getty Images; Photo of Jacquetta Wheeler, from Wenn.
The proof of today's trend was on the fall runways, where we saw loads of velvet separates, ranging from paper bag pencil skirts (like the Gathered Velvet Skirt
To begin our examination of how today's trendsetters are wearing velvet now, let us first consider the lovely Isabel Lucas. For the 500 Days of Summer premiere, the Transformers-star chose Giambattista Valli's Ruched Silk and Velvet Cocktail Dress ($1995, 212.753.7300) in a delicious shade of aubergine. As you can see, the purple palate perfectly shows off the luster of the frock's panne velvet draped top and prim hemline. If you'd like to create an outfit with a similar vibe, simply pair Marc Jacobs' Velvet Pencil Skirt
Another fantastic way to work velvet into your winter wardrobe is best illustrated by art director Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, seen here during Paris Fashion Week. Restoin-Roitfeld looked very much like fashion royalty in her effortless mini, though it is her styling choices that really elevate her outfit. She deftly mixed her Miu Miu Navy Velvet Shirt Dress ($940, 212.334.5156) with a cool shrunken moto (the Leather Biker Jacket ($2250), also from Miu Miu) to bring a little edge to her elegant ensemble. This easy-going silhouette is ideal for any work-related holiday event and will act as a grounding piece for statement jewelry and killer shoes. Be sure to check out Vince's Velvet Dress ($325) for a dead-ringer of JRR's versatile selection.
Jessica Alba also opted for a Miuccia Prada design when she attended the fifth annual Clinton Global Initiative party held at New York City's Museum of Modern Art. The rich scarlet hue of Alba's Leopardo Jacquard Velvet Dress ($3255, 310.550.5900) is spot-on for any festive occasion and can be tempered with a pair of opaque tights and high-heeled ankle booties. Of course, if you would rather not splurge on a right-from-the-runway selection, try Rachel Roy's Velvet 24 Hour Dress
But if you'd prefer to mix a smaller element of velvet into your winter rotation, consider Jacquetta Wheeler for your ensemble role model. Though Wheeler, seen here en route to a Vogue-hosted event at the Saatchi Gallery in London, mixed a Marc by Marc Jacobs shrunken coat from the F/W 05 season with a Balenciaga top and Stella McCartney printed pants, there are a lot of other luxurious cover-up options currently available. For example, Twenty8Twelve's Velvet Jacket
Needless to say, whatever your style is (be it full-blown fancy or just an elegant accent), in today's story you are guaranteed to find some seriously chic ways to incorporate velvet into your wardrobe. And while Mr. Franklin probably didn't have holiday get-ups in mind, whether it's a divine dress or a heavenly coat or skirt, velvet will absolutely help you achieve sartorial success today and everyday for months to come!
Photos of Jessica Alba, Isabel Lucas, from Splash; Photo of Julia Restoin Roitfeld, from Getty Images; Photo of Jacquetta Wheeler, from Wenn.
COMMENTS (28)
|
I'm planning to buy one of these pairs of shoes to wear with a long black velvet skirt to my company's office party this season: http://www.shoezodiac.com/cocktail-shoes-by-french-shoe-company-vouelle/
I really love velvet!!!
http://twitter.com/sachikatwins
i was tempted to buy a black pair in h&m earlier today and didn't maybe i will go back to get them they are a great alternative. @nberougepartout on twitter. x Here is who made Jessica's dress http://outfitidentifier.com/?p=16425 I used to think of velvet as a tacky fabric, but I am enjoying how it is being worn this season. love this! i have a free people velvet hooded jacket i cant part with!
xoxo,
Francesca
lekisskiss.blogspot.com <-- two girls living in nyc and chicago blogging all things fashion! i'm really lovin' velvet right now, thanks for this report!
http://thisisghost.blogspot.com/
Velvet is soooo IN! x
www.liz-piration.blogspot.com/ ..you've already seen
Paris
New York
London
Milan
Tokyo
....what about SHANGHAI?
www.shanghaistylefile.com
www.SHANGHAISTYLEFILE.com
www.ShanghaiStyleFile.com Hi
My Blog “The Stiletto Effect” and CHANEL are GIVINGAWAY one "Chanel Le Vernis # 479 Kaleidoscope (Limited Edition)".
Being a Limited Edition this colour is already out of stock, so maybe this will be the only way to get one!
To enter just visit www.thestilettoeffect.com
Good Luck!
Kisses
Susana R.
I LOOOOVE all these looks. I think velvet looks fantastic if styled correctly. Not an overdose, just like these pics show. I'm in love with the Jessica Alba dress and would buy it in an instant if I could afford it... Thanks WWW! give velvet a changes. it defo has it's advantages.. when used in moderation... love chloe take on it.. it is very queen Elizabeth meets Arabia..www.i-beauty-and-glam.com Velvet is good for the winter. Smooth and elegant fabric. Amazing to wear for the holiday parties coming up!!! I was never a fan of velvet... and this post hasn't changed my mind.
www.fashionofmysoul.blogspot.com velvet is by far my favorite fabric :o)
www.maisondepeanutleigh.com
{uninhibited fashion} love the first two looks, the others I will pass on. Leather and velvet is a no go for look #3. Jessica Alba looks dowdy in hers & a velvet blazer has been done too often boring. Mmmh, velvet! I'm shopping my closet for this one. I have a most gorgeous, deep, rich, chocolate brown, fitted blazer that makes me feel like a million bucks. I do WANT, however, the shoes from the 1st model and the purple, shirred skirt! ehhh...this whole presentation is below part. especially jessica alba...she looks like a bald man in a cheap victoria secret robe. and the roitfeld whatever her name is....that blue is not flattering to her skin tone and the cut makes her look fat; the biker jacket doesn't help either. That TREND will not last too long, it never looked good.
@ MaisonChaplin.blogspot.com i'm not a fan of velvet... We have 2 velvet pieces in our store this week. A vintage velvet jacket and a pea coat.
the family vintage Here in Paris I'm coveting a velvet mini skirt! That with some silver leggings... let the party begin! Velvet? Mmmm...no thanks...
=/ Okay, WWW, the joke is over. You can put good trends back up now! I love this. Love Alba's dress. Gorgeous. I love it...wore it out last weekend with a faux leather mini and ankle boots. It was neither hot nor stuffy...get with it! I agree, even though I have been seeing Velvet used on clothes more and more I am not too keen on the material.
lekisskiss.blogspot.com Velvet can be hot..when it's done in moderation..like a nice velvet blazer..and jessica alba looks like carolina herrara in that picture. Thank God I dun follow trends blindly. Velvet is only good on curtains and blazers. As dresses or pants, its stuffy and puffy, eliminates silhouettes and only grannies will wear them.
http://unlikeyyou.blogspot.com |
| Subscribe | Who What Wear Style Series | Shop the Closet | About Us | Ask a Stylist | Monthly Archive | What Was She Wearing | Advertise | Contact Us | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Support | Sitemap | |||
© Who What Wear LLC. 2010 All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except as expressly permitted in writing by Who What Wear LLC |
