WITH THE POSSIBLE exception of Mariah Carey or the sight of great-aunt Mildred snoring in the corner after one too many sherries, there is nothing more festive than velvet. But don’t rush to stash it away with the tinsel – velvet is for life, not just for Christmas, and the style set is proving that velvet is versatile long after the last mince pie has been eaten. The trick is knowing how to make it go the distance.
For starters, invest in not-so -Christmassy colours. A dress in a delicious pistachio, for instance, will have more endurance than one in Santa red. Think beyond partywear, too. Try adding a touch of texture by layering a velvet waistcoat under a classic tailored two-piece, while accessories, like ballet pumps or a hair bow, offer a subtle nod to the trend that’s easy to incorporate.
Second, good care is key. ‘ While all velvets have one trademark texture (known as a pile), it can be made from a variety of different fibres,’ says Layla Sargent, founder of The Seam, the UK’s only full-ser vice care and repair specialists. She advises to always check the label ; vintage velvets are usually made from cotton with a shorter pile, while newer items are often polyester or blended synthetics, an
