Velvet
The absolute epitome of textile luxury, velvet is a woven tufted fabric with a dense, uniform pile that gives it an incredibly soft feel and a distinctive, regal sheen.
Origins
Historically, the finest velvets were produced in the Middle East and Renaissance Italy. Today, while premium silk velvet is still meticulously crafted in Europe and parts of Asia, commercial cotton and synthetic velvets are produced on a massive scale in China and India, making this once-exclusive fabric accessible worldwide.
Key Benefits
- ✦Opulent, highly visual appearance with a striking sheen
- ✦Extremely soft and comforting to the touch
- ✦Drapes elegantly, shaping beautifully to the body
- ✦Provides excellent warmth for winter formalwear
Applications
A Brief History
Velvet's origins trace back to Eastern culture, likely Baghdad or Cairo, before the year 1000 AD. It was introduced to Europe by merchants and quickly became the fabric of the nobility, royalty, and the church during the Renaissance, heavily produced in Italian cities like Venice and Florence. It has remained a symbol of wealth, power, and opulence for centuries, deeply embedded in royal regalia and haute couture.
Crafting the Cloth
Velvet is woven on a specialized double cloth loom that weaves two pieces of fabric simultaneously, face-to-face. A blade then slices the two layers apart down the middle, creating a plush, upright pile on both pieces. Originally, velvet was made exclusively from silk, making it astoundingly expensive. Today, it is commonly made from cotton, viscose, or synthetic blends to achieve different weights, textures, and price points.
Modern Fashion Trends
Velvet is a staple of the "dark academia" and "gothic romance" aesthetics, frequently seen in deep burgundy, emerald, and midnight blue tones. In international menswear, the statement velvet blazer remains the ultimate choice for holiday parties and winter weddings. In India, velvet has seen a massive resurgence in bridal and festive wear, with heavily embroidered velvet lehengas and sherwanis favored for winter weddings.
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Curating Velvet
Our weavers are currently preparing the newest collection of velvet fabrics. Check back soon for fresh inventory.