Velvet has long been synonymous with luxury and opulence, and in the context of Pakistani fashion, it holds a special place. From traditional bridal wear to contemporary evening gowns, velvet adds a touch of elegance and sophistication that is hard to match. Here's your ultimate guide to understanding and incorporating luxury velvets into your wardrobe.
A Brief History of Velvets
Velvet is a luxurious textile with a history dating back to ancient Egypt around 2000 BC. It has been found in archaeological sites like Pazyryk in Siberia from the 4th century BC, although its origins—possibly Chinese or Mongol—are debated. Early mentions of velvet, referred to as "kutuf," appear in Arabic literature during the Umayyad Caliphate (691-743 AD).
By the 14th century, cities like Lucca in Italy emerged as major silk velvet producers, valued throughout Europe. The Black Death prompted many weavers to move to Venice, Florence, and Milan, spreading velvet production further. The French and Spanish courts also supported the establishment of velvet weaving centers.
By the 17th century, velvet production expanded to various regions, including the Ottoman Empire, Persia, India, and China. The Industrial Revolution in the 18th century made velvet more accessible, reducing its status as an elite textile.[1]
In Pakistan, it has been a staple in fashion industry for quick some time. It continues to be a popular choice among formal wear, especially during winter months
Styling Tips for Velvets
Here’s how to make your velvet outfits stand out:
Colors and Shades
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Choose rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, and deep maroon for winter occasions
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Experiment with lighter tones like blush pink, champagne, or pastel lavender for daytime events.
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Black velvet with gold embroidery is timeless and universally flattering.
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Fabrics to Pair With Velvet
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Silk and Chiffon: Add lightness to your outfit with a silk dupatta or chiffon sleeves.
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Organza: Use organza dupattas with velvet outfits for a regal yet breezy look.
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Jamawar or Banarsi: Combine velvet with jamawar lowers or a banarsi dupatta for a heritage-inspired ensemble.
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Layering Ideas
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A velvet cape to make a statement
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Use a velvet shawl with a silk sari or lehenga to stay warm and stylish during winter weddings.
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Layer velvet crop/short tops over traditional ghararas for a bold fusion look.
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Modern Velvet Twists
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A belt with lehengas/shararas to cinch the waist and add definition.
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Velvet Kaftaans are the easiest to wear and stand out the most
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Go for asymmetrical hemlines in velvet kurtas for a trendy vibe.
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Caring for Luxury Velvet
To maintain the beauty of your velvet outfits:
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Dry Clean Only: Especially for embroidered or embellished velvet.
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Storage: Hang outfits with padded hangers to prevent creasing and crushing of the fabric.
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Avoid Spills: Velvet absorbs stains easily, so be cautious around food and drinks.
Where to Find Luxury Velvet in Pakistan
You can find the latest collections for all the designers on the respective designer websites.
However, you can find an easier way of sifting through and browsing for latest fashion trends and velvets. Here is a curation of all the latest Velvets right here at FABBITT. Here we want to make your buying process easier with access to all the brands you can dream of in one place
Final Thoughts
Velvet is more than just a fabric; it’s a statement of luxury, grace, and cultural heritage. Whether you’re adorning it as a bride, styling it for a festive event, or incorporating it into your everyday wardrobe, velvet is a timeless choice that never fails to impress.
So, why wait? Embrace the allure of velvet, let its richness elevate your style, and make every outfit a masterpiece. Head to FABBITT today to explore the finest velvet collections and add a touch of opulence to your wardrobe.
References
1. 2. A brief history of velvet
