SOUTHERN STYLE
Velvet , If You Please
WE ’ RE CRUSHING ON THE CENTURIES-OLD FABRIC .
| BY NICOLE LETTS |
Ciselé . Crushed . Embossed . Panne . No matter the type , few fabrics capture luxury like velvet . Velvet has been the epitome of couture grandeur , thanks to its identifiable luster and luxe nap , for hundreds of years . Some would say it almost sparkles as it moves and drapes in various directions . In fact , as actress , socialite and fashion trendsetter Eva Gabor once said , “ All any girl needs , at any time in history , is simple velvet and basic diamonds .” It ’ s no wonder that velvet is closely associated with good taste .
According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art , as an emerging fabric in the thirteenth century , velvet was reserved for royalty and nobility because it was expensive to produce . Velvet is a dense pile fabric made using silk thread , a costly material due to its production and availability . So , velvet caught the attention of kings and queens . French monarchs were draped in azure blue velvet during their coronations . Infamous Henry VIII of England is often depicted wearing velvet , as are many of his wives . In fact , at Hampton Court , Henry VIII ’ s palace was covered in the material .
SUN JACKET , $ 1,195 ( GALVANLONDON . COM )
22 SEA ISLAND LIFE | FALL / WINTER 2022 / 23