Trend Alert: Velvet

Ah velvet, the fabric long associated with all things frump. Velvet is one of those materials that most of us mere mortals simply avoid, but why? Perhaps because it seems far easier to be 'wrong' with velvet than it is to be 'right'? It's true, velvet does seem to have acquired a bit of a lackluster reputation, I say lackluster because it remains an incredibly popular upholstery fabric...but a person can't really say the words: 'velvet dress' without conjuring up a mental image of a rather Victorian-era style outfit- you know, a high neck, some puffy sleeves, maybe a lace trim at the collar?

But ladies, here is something to ponder...maybe it is time to put aside all negative connotations associated with velvet clothing and give it a go. Why? Because some of our most beloved designers have taken on the challenge of reinventing the fabric and they are producing some pretty exciting and cutting-edge pieces that speak to a broad range of women.

Alexander Wang, for example, has used it for biker jackets, while Proenza Schouler has rather ingeniously cut it into skinny jeans. Christopher Kane applied strips onto organza to create a series of cocktail dresses, while Chloé sent a slouchy, velvet skirt down the runway. Also, one big 'cheers!' goes out to Diane Kruger for demonstrating how to expertly wear a Halston-era velvet jumpsuit, also by Chloé.

So, you see? Velvet is not all bad. And when you think about it, it has been quite fashionably popular in years past; Tom Ford sent out a series of chic velvet pantsuits at Gucci in 1996, and let's not forget a certain curtain dress worn by Scarlett O'Hara.

What? You thought we could make a blog about velvet and not cite the curtain dress? Please.

xoxo The Fein Girls