Once a staple of royal wardrobes, velvet is currently seeing a significant resurgence in modern design. Men who care about style are adopting the soft texture for both classic and contemporary styles. Fabrics that provide depth and drama are becoming more and more popular, and velvet delivers on both counts. According to Ravi Gupta, Designer & Director of Gargee Designers, “it’s opulent, tactile, and ideal for ensembles that make a statement.” Velvet is making an appearance on the runway and at weddings with structured bandhgalas, jackets, and sherwanis that strike a mix between luxury and contemporary style.
Velvet’s comeback is more than just a fad; it’s a reflection of the development of contemporary Indian menswear. According to Ravi Gupta, “fabrics like velvet offer the perfect bridge between heritage and high fashion, and today’s consumer is willing to experiment.” With a focus on craftsmanship, Gargee Designers is redefining velvet as a medium for contemporary expression rather than as something that is vintage.
Velvet is the epitome of modern femininity: fierce and tender and compelling. This return is driven by the growing trend of “quiet luxury,” which celebrates understated refinement without prominent branding. Nostalgic ’90s silhouettes are also contributing, sending velvet back into the limelight. The fabric’s photogenic appeal and sensory draw make it irresistible to customers who yearn for high-level pieces that deliver comfort and drama. These days, velvet isn’t just a royal material that one can only wear once a year on special occasions like Christmas—it’s a versatile texture that combines richness with practicality, so it’s best for people who’d love to infuse their styles with depth and texture. Velvet is undergoing a resurgence and gaining popularity without the intention to subside in the near future.
There are some major do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when wearing velvet, especially if you’re hoping to really let the material shine. To put it simply, let the velvet do all the talking and limit accessories. Tailoring is also a good option to balance the fabric’s softness. Another consideration is to look for rich, dark tones when it comes to colors like burgundy, emerald and navy, or try out more unexpected colors like burnt orange or teal, which provide an edgy look to velvet fabric. The order of the day when dressing up in velvet is matte or dewy skin, as it balances with the fancy feel of the fabric and looks great in photos. Then, generally avoid over-layering velvet-on-velvet except co-ords or doing it as part of a conscious design statement. Velvet is heavy and should fall rather than cling, so opt for loose silhouette styles. Finally, steer clear of combining velvet with too many other flashy fabrics such as sequins or satin except when attempting an all-glam look, as it may conflict rather than complement with other shiny fabrics and textures.
Read the full story that first appeared in The Free Press Journal here:
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