What is it about velvet that makes it winter’s evergreen style trend? From being historically favoured by royalty to folks who flaunted a bedazzled ‘Juicy’ on their Juicy Couture tracksuits, it runs a gamut of wearers. And by the time the air gets nippy, not to mention the festive season being in full swing, it’s a fabric that’s comfortable while being plush too. It is also a trend that reinvents itself every season.
Lounge lists down a few styles in which you can co-opt the trend this season, even you if you are celebrating cautiously.
Siyahi Aakifah Chogah, Patloon & Sona Jhallar Odhani by Torani
The Delhi-based label has a carved a niche for itself for transforming old-world charm and nostalgia through a traditional yet modern design aesthetic. This trio of garments features the label’s signature floral chintz print in dark, autumnal hues on black silk velvet, along with golden hand-embroidery and a metallic fringe bordering the odhani. Available at Torani.in; Rs. 29,500 for the chogah, Rs. 13,500 for the patloon and Rs. 32,500 for the odhani
Black Embroidered Bandhgala by Rohit Bal
Famed for his exquisite couture pieces in velvet, Rohit Bal carries on his signature colour combination of red, gold and black onto this ornate bandhgala. The jacket features the ever-sophisticated mandarin collar and full sleeves with a delicate embroidery of small red flowers on trees. The piece makes an elegant statement with black trousers. Available at RohitBal.com; Rs. 84, 990
Printed Velvet Jacket Paired With Printed Modal Satin Jumpsuit by Tarun Tahiliani
Tarun Tahiliani has popularised the aesthetic concept of ‘India Modern’, and his fashion-forward work with traditional wear is evidence of that. This dual, more Western velvet set from him is no different. With vividly printed florals and a coat-hem fringed with beads, the outfit perfectly embodies the modern East-meets-West style sensibility. Available TarunTahiliani.com; Rs. 59,900
Binary Jacket by Kunal Rawal
Known for his youthful and edgy work with Indian menswear, Kunal Rawal has made dressing up for men fun. He brings that same sense of freshness in this simple jacket, by playing around with its silhouette in his signature style and accenting the dark velvet with white knotwork in diagonal grids. It’s ideal for those men taking it easy this season. Available at KunalRawal.com; Rs. 99,000
Indigo Velvet Embroidered Cape by Satya Paul
Ever since designer Rajesh Pratap Singh took helm of the brand, the label’s aesthetic has become more fluid in its approach to Indian ready-to-wear, more than just saris and salwar suits. Take this cape for example. With a modern silhouette and quirky embroidery, it’s a great accessorising piece to have in your wardrobe. Available at EnsembleIndia.com; Rs. 17,995
Velvet Kimono Tuxedo by Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna
The designer duo’s work has redefined the concept of evening wear in India, with their designs comprising of sharp, well-tailored silhouettes and smart trends. This ensemble too leverages on last year’s famed menswear trend of the belted tuxedo. The dark suit with muffled sleeves and a deep red obi belt cut quite a striking figure. Available at RohitAndRahul.com; Rs. 88,500