Blue velvet. It was sung in Bobby Vinton's homonymous song and Isabella Roseellini sang it passionately in the 1986 film, directed by David Lynch.
For the history, velvet as a fabric probably originated in China, where its knitting techniques have been known since the 2nd century. In the 6th century, the technique had already become known in Byzantium. Through China's trade with the Middle East, Egypt, Europe and Anatolia, silk is increasingly conquering the world. By the second half of the 13th century, it had already become known in Central Asia and then in South Asia. Finally, we find it in Milan in the 15th century, which has its exclusive production. Very popular with the royal families and the aristocracy - as at that time only silk was used in its production - it was inaccessible to the common people.
It was used both in clothes and in the upholstery of palaces' furniture, but also it was the most popula fabric for the making of rcurtains and drapes that were then small works of art. It was used and continues to be used for the cover of valuable books. Very sensitive as a fabric, since it is easily rubbed and worn, so it can not last in use. Of course today, velvet is also produced from cotton, wool, viscose and polyester, materials much more durable than silk. Did you know that velvet was a loom product?
The Greek women, as well as the Greek women of Asia Minor of Pontus, wore the velvet of silk in their vest (kontogouni), on their sleeves and apron, which was intricately embroidered. Fashion has always been associated with our history. Greece is everywhere!
To this day, velvet is an integral part of the (mostly) winter wardrobe of elegant ladies, regardless of whether fashion and trends rule it out as a trend, but only temporarily. In the 70s, the velvet variant, corduroy, prevailed in the clothing of women and men, as well as the tendency to dress uniformly people of different sexes. Therefore, if you see girls on the catwalks looking and dressing like boys and vice versa, a trend that is widely promoted by today's designers, just remember that it is NOT an innovation. It's just a reset. I tell you again, fashion often "remixes" old trends and just passes them on as an innovation ... See here.
Do you remember the ponchos? I remember them from my childhood! I hated them ...
A couple in perfect clothing harmony ...
The parenthesis closes, because I couldn't hold it back. Back to velvet and corduroy, and here I have made you a collection of trends from the 70s, which will probably satisfy you, because today you can find appropriate clothes, tailored to your needs. However, look carefully in your closet, because in 2015, we again had a great comeback of the softest fabric in fashion history. Six years back. DO NOT TELL ME THAT YOU THREW AWAY YOUR VELVETS!!!
The principality of velvet for Prince William
Princess's corduroy velvet for the peoples' beloved Diana
Here, young princess Diana, who passed away so unexpectedly, wears her corduroy golf pants with thick socks, wellies and a wonderful woolen jacquard sweater. The colorful feast and the perfect combinations are surprising. It is a set that you could comfortably wear today! I have no comments for Prince Charles ...
You can have the look!
If you can't find corduroy cargo pants, then wear your wellies with skinny corduroy in the color you like.
Blue velvet forever
Your velvet skirt
Proposals for velvet suits
All time classic black velvet is always the right choice
Vintage velvet dress
Victorian vintage lace up boot
And your velvet long coat. There's somewhere inside your closet. Search for it!
Corduroy velvet on the pants, fringes on your bag and platforms. 70s classic. Next to it, the current version, not bad at all, adopts the postman's hat, the corduroy pants and leaves the rest of the look quiet.
Velvet in your sandals too ...
Velvet and corduroy in your accessories
Addresses please: