Velvet Dreams
Velvet was not only seen as a fancy garment preferred by the rich and the famous on important occasions but also as a religious vestment and an essential fabric for luxurious interior furnishings. Overall review of the luxury material should depict its superior value amongst the weavers of the Italian peninsula; velvet was vastly exported to all over Europe and to the Ottoman Empire.
Exclusivity is always in the details
Velvet originated in the late thirteenth century at the hands of master crafters in China. The term basically describes a fabric made from silk threads, which has a soft cushiony feel to it. It has a wonderful sheen with the colours changing shades with the slightest changes in draping technique and fall of light. Velvet woven with more than one coloured warp enhances this effect, but the addition of glittering metal thread to contrast with the richness of the silk brings velvet textiles to the height of their technical and artistic refinement.
Exclusive garment fit for kings
There's something magical about dressing up! Choosing an outfit for a party, deciding the accessories it needs to be enhanced with to augment the appeal, the kind of makeup that would go with the said outfit- the whole process of glamming up is delightful and exciting! And in order to stand out in a crowd, one's outfit must be exquisite, fit for a princess. On that note, velvet, the fabric of choice for the royalty is enjoying the limelight on the sartorial stage right now. Opulent and plush, it is the fabric regal vestments are often made of, which makes it perfect for glittering parties. The sheen of velvet is reminiscent of a ravishing, moonlit night and its luxurious feel makes the wearer feel like royalty, which perhaps explains its somewhat taking the backstage to to ther fabrics, for sheer luxurious decadence.
The modern facelift of Velvet
Velvet is experiencing a major refurbishment; designers everywhere have been romanticising this majestic fabric for quite some time now. Gone are the thick, stiff velvet of yore; modern velvet is rich and opulent while being soft and sensuous. Its luxurious nature and jewel tones makes it the ideal choice for evening wear, particularly appropriate for weddings. A sari with an embroidered velvet anchal looks fabulous and grand, so does a dupatta with embroidered borders. Velvet jackets look very chic when worn with slim, fitting pants and sheer dupatta. Such a jacket can also be worn over a chiffon or lace sari which will definitely raise the glamour quotient of one's outfit. A cold shoulder velvet kurta looks very trendy and cool. One thing to keep in mind when playing with velvet is that 'less is always more'. It means that a full-on velvet sari will be too much and make the wearer look thick and feel hot. Similarly, a velvet kurta with a velvet dupatta is overkill. Choose either and choose wisely. Since it is an opulent fabric the focus should be on it solely. Also, it is a fabric best reserved for night time events. Velvet during the day can be too much to handle!
The proper way to fashion
Velvet is amazingly versatile, for it can be both traditional and modern. A long velvet column dress is chic and makes its wearer look statuesque. Alternatively, a velvet sheath dress in maroon or navy is tempting and sophisticated. A simple satin blouse can be elevated by a velvet pencil skirt. A velvet camisole paired with high-waisted skirt, or a velvet blouse worn with fitting pants will look fashionably mod. However sometimes a woman feels like going all out on something, because not everyday is meant to be identical. Sometimes your heart just guides you towards unchartered waters of more and more! For these special days, a velvet gown could be perfect. Colours like maroon red and royal blue will make any woman look exclusive and up-to-the-minute stylish. Velvet should never be paired with other shimmery fabrics such as satin or lame. Crepe de chine, georgette and chiffon are its best bedfellows. When shopping for velvet, make sure it feels soft and supple not heavy and stiff.
Final Word
However you decide to wear it, you must always keep in mind the regal aspect of the fabric; centuries of royal history are attached with the garment. British blue blooded royalty to the mighty Mughals have been adorned with this majestic item and it is for us now to flaunt it as befitting the royals. So get your hair done in exclusive and detailed up do, keep the make up just right, and let your velvet speak for you.
By Sabrina N Bhuiyan
Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Model: Meghla
Wardrobe:Waraz
Make-up: Farzana Shakil's Makeover Salon
Location: The Way Dhaka
Comments