Velvet’s making a comeback – in prints, that is

Designers reinvent the popular 1990s fabric as edgy, sophisticated and funky clothing and accessories for the fall and winter.

In fashion, a decade returns every 20 years and so it is with our 1990s moment.

From overalls, mules and chokers to neon colors, bob cuts and denim shirts, fashion just loves this decade of good music, minimalist chic — with hints of grunge and glamour — and, of course, influences from the Big Five (Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista and Tatjana Patitz.) 

This season, the spotlight is on velvet — patterned velvet, that is. 

A fabric of multiple personalities, the plush material may take on a rock ’n’ roll vibe; an artistic, funky, feel; or one of absolute luxuriousness, depending on the print. No matter the color motif, details and embellishments bring the chameleon-like textile up to speed (from the decade of Nirvana and Hanson to the here and now).

And even better, velvet does not discriminate. It can be worn as a blouse, an evening gown or used as an accent in the design of a chic purse. 

Go bold or go minimal, but you’ll never go unnoticed.  

Above, from left:

(1) Velvet Triangle Scarf with Tassel Fringeby Etro

Velvet’s a perennial because of its adaptability — to periods, to outfits, to personalities. To incorporate velvet into an everyday look — in a subtle way — try experimenting with this paisley print velvet scarf by Etro, featuring a tassel fringe trim. $1,015.

(2) Princetown Velvet Floral Mule by Gucci

If you’re partial to color, opt for this teal mule by Gucci. The shoe, which has a hipster feel, features a horsebit buckle and embroidery and was created exclusively for Neiman Marcus’ 110th anniversary. $780. (Note: The designer suggests purchasing these shoes in a half-size larger than your shoe size.)

(3) Cubist Velvet Top Handle Bag by Prada

As we’ve seen with Erwin Pearl’s collaboration with the New York Botanical Garden, artwork and handbags can go hand in hand (literally). Available in purple and medium red, this purse features a Cubist motif that draws from the art of Picasso. The bag, which includes a shoulder strap for convenient wearing, is part of Prada’s Fall/Winter 2017 Collection. $2,960. 

(4) Ember Velvet Damask Long Coat with Fur Cuffs by cinq a sept 

Known for its marriage of bold sophistication with contemporary vintage, this damask burnout is a WAG favorite (and a closet staple, in our opinion). The sleeves feature removable, natural silver fox fur cuffs for added warmth and character, while a tailored silhouette and below-the-knee look flatters the figure. $1,295. 

For more, visit neimanmarcus.com.

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