I have to say that of late, I seem to be seeing a lot more velvet showing up in formal menswear than over the past few years. The red carpet appearances of celebrities are certainly showcasing this luxurious option for cooler evening attire with the likes of Daniel Craig, Ryan Reynolds, and no less than HRH Prince William.
It seems fitting that the young royal has lately been opting for this rich and sumptuous fabric for his evening wear, as it has its origins in the pile cloths of the medieval Arabic ruling class. Only the wealthiest could afford it then, due to its long production time and unique pile appearance, catching and hiding the light in a continuous optical illusion when the fabric moves. Velvet was made popular, like most early fashion, by the French and Italian courts, and adopted by clergy in brocading with silks for powerful visual effects that must have astounded the humble populations of the times. Production of the cloth expanded and today, velvet is most commonly found in our home furnishings, where its durability and softness make it very much a designer’s choice.
The reappearance of velvet at red carpet events is very interesting to me and I put it down to guys wanting to make a statement. Unlike pre-pandemic, when a guy’s biggest decision would be which cut of black Tux to go with, this new era sees a need to show up—and perhaps to show off—with a bit more individualism and personality.
Personally, I have always loved a bold evening statement for guys, perhaps due to my experience in the NYC fashion scene, where the events are all about getting noticed and people are celebrated for daring choices. I find that for guys, a dinner jacket with personality is an easy way to make a statement without stepping out of the bounds of sartorial rigor and into the area of costume.
Our current lineup in the collection offers a wide range of evening options that include our gorgeous velvets. We not only have solids in jewel colors of emerald, burgundy, and navy, but also a few prints from Italy from the Italian mill Pontoglio, which is an exceptional mill that has specialized in velvets for over 100 years. I love the modern luxury statement that velvet makes when worn more casually with a 5-pocket to a cocktail party, as it always looks great after 5 pm. Wearing velvet with black anything is a safe way to coordinate within outfits, and velvet can be a great choice even for more traditional guys when styled back to a Tux pant for evening. It also works for men who like to dress with a bit more edge—these guys will love combining a velvet jacket with a 5-pocket or even a dark denim for a night out.
The one time I don’t advise wearing velvet is for daytime occasions, as it can look really out of place before dusk. Stick to the evening hours, as nighttime’s inherent glamour and mystery provide the best setting when you want to show up, and show out, in this truly extraordinary cloth.
