Velvet is a much-loved fabric, perfect in the coldest season. It warms but at the same time is refined and elegant , so much so that it is chosen for the creation of various garments. Periodically it comes back into the limelight and repopulates our wardrobes, but its period of maximum splendor was in the 60s/70s, when it was used by everyone: students, artists and even workers.
A bit of history about velvet
Velvet seems to derive from fustian , a very heavy but resistant fabric born on the banks of the Nile in the 2nd century BC. In Italy it only became known in the 13th century when it was imported by the Arabs into Sicily and Venice.
The first velvets were worked in imitation of oriental fabrics. As a fabric it spread quickly and over time it also inspired great artists , such as Titian who used it extensively in his works.
Velvet today
The most popular velvet today is corduroy , which was apparently invented in 1700 in Manchester. This fabric first appeared in 1774 and was called Corduroy . Velvet is technically a fabric with hair. There are several types, which differ in workmanship, raw material and weave.
The different types of velvet
Here is a small guide to help you orient yourself and choose the right type of velvet for your needs.
- Smooth velvet : this is the most classic and its main characteristic is having a very close and thick pile on the right side.
- Curly velvet : The weave of this fabric features a series of very small, tightly woven loops that protrude from the garment.
- Millerighe Velvet : this variant is obtained by weaving or by waxing, calendering and brushing processes. It has vertical raised lines and is more resistant than smooth velvet. The lines can have different sizes, be thin or wide depending on the item.
- Rocker Velvet : in this type you can see the alternation between narrow ribs and wide ribs. Rocker velvet is a very fine fabric, suitable for a gentleman who appears both casual and elegant.
- Printed velvet : this is the one on which different prints designed with a specific tailoring technique are applied.
Wearing Velvet
Compared to the past, today the fabric can be worn anywhere and at any time of the day. It can be worn casually during the day, even in the office, or elegantly in the evening, during social occasions. The garments we find are often inspired by the past, but revisited in a modern key, with those whimsical details that make the difference.
Both men and women wear it. To dress softer bodies it is better to opt for velvet solutions that are a mix between silk and viscose, while it is very elegant and classic during ceremonies or important events. To give it a more urban touch it is recommended to combine it with low shoes (for women) or with sneakers (for men).
Furthermore, velvet is now timeless , it can be worn in all seasons thanks to its light wearability, although in our opinion it is in the winter season that it gives its best. We no longer find it only as a protagonist in clothing but it has also made its entrance into the world of accessories , to be tastefully mixed with more casual and everyday looks, velvet accessories give your style that extra edge and allow you to stand out from the crowd, always with great style.
