Blazers, trousers, lehengas: Designer Masaba Gupta on how to add velvet to your wardrobe

Masaba Gupta says its time to embrace velvet once again

American actress and socialite Eva Gabor once said, “All any girl needs, any time in history, is simple velvet and basic diamonds”. And yet this fabric has remained hidden in our closet like a dirty secret. More so, in a country like ours, where the climate just won’t forgive us for stepping out in velvet.

Leather and velvet have always been associated with ’70s rock and roll, but now these are back in fashion. Here are a few ways of sporting velvet this season:

1) Velvet lends itself to an evening look, so sporting it in the day would not be the best idea. Remember, the more the velvet, the thinner the fabric should be. And experiments with oversized fits are definitely a not advised.

Actor Cate Blanchett in a velvet gown.

2) The baroque trend gave us velvet. Unlike the stereotype of it being used in a historical costume, with all the added drama and the pouf sleeves, the fabric has gotten cooler with velvet jeans by Elliot and velvet pants by Banana Republic. Team a great pair of velvet trousers with a T-shirt or a simple sweater and heels.

4) With the holiday season just around the corner, up your fashion quotient by swapping your regular blazer for a velvet one: a classic black, marsala, royal blue, or an embroidered one for those who dare. Team it with your denims and trousers. Pick a sharp, flattering cut, or one that offers a snug fit without appearing skimpy.

5) Velvet lends itself beautifully to embroidery. Add some regal old-world glamour this wedding season with velvet lehengas and velvet robes teamed with your Indian ensemble.

6) Nothing spells chic like a gorgeous velvet clutch or a pair of stunning velvet heels; the ones on the lines of chunky-heeled booties by Givenchy, velvet slingbacks by Dolce & Gabbana, golden-heeled intriguing booties by Emilio Pucci and gilded Stella McCartney pieces.

Gupta is a leading fashion designer. She tweets as @MasabaG