Return of velvet

Velvet can look good in bright colours. photos by Dominic Bukenya/ Faiswal Kasirye.

Fashion recap. Have you seen people donned in velvet clothes lately? If yes, it’s because the classic fabric is back.

If you have velvet clothes that you kept away because they were no longer fashionable, now is the time to get them out. “Velvet has become trendy and it’s going to be a big hit next year because most of the orders I get are for next year,” says Brenda Maraka, a fashion designer.

The splendid, yet softened depth of dye-colour of this silken textile fabric with the short dense-piled surface, once marked it out as a fit material for church, royal and state robes, and luxurious outings. Traditionally, velvet was associated with nobility.

Once a popular material, Maraka says though she doesn’t remember when it went off vogue, she too had to keep away her jacket. Available in different colours, depending on the quality, velvet is on average more expensive than other fabrics.

Some ways you can wear velvet
Velvet is most popularly worn as a dress or skirt. If you have not worn it before, start off with pretty velvet dress in a gorgeous hue and pair it with some sheer black tights. Add edgy heeled booties and a leopard clutch to keep the ensemble interesting. Since the rest of the outfit is so wild, for jewellery, all you need is a simple drop necklace.

For instance, try a velvet accessory such as a handbag, scarf or headband, shorts, trousers and jacket. Another way to ease into velvet is with velvet footwear, such as flats or elegant heels.
A velvet blazer would do well over a feminine silk blouse and dark-wash jeans. Then add a simple pair of colour of flat shoes. Accessorise the outfit with subtle jewellery, such as stud earrings and owl-shaped ring.