Top 5 velvet party picks

The fall 2009 catwalks were rife with this luxurious fabric, used on dresses, tops and accessories aplenty. It might not quite be the time to get that old, crushed velvet prom dress from out of your closet though…take a look at these designers to see what new ideas they brought to the table.

Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs’ 80s inspired runway was a mash-up of many things, from sequins to denim. Our favourite pieces however, were those created from neon yellow velvet. Instead of coming across brash, the look was more ‘throw-back glamour’, with focus being drawn to the sculptural neckline, which pleated and slashed at the neck.

BCBG Max Azria
The fall collection from Max and Lubov Azria could be viewed as a catwalk of two halves, with velvet being the combining element. The show started off with futuristic style pieces consisting of high necks, dramatic shapes and velvet/silk combo panels. The metallic tights were firmly stuck to the models’ legs throughout but the dresses soon changed, tying around the waist and plunging at the neckline in dark velvet tones.

Balenciaga
Nicolas Ghesquière rarely gets it wrong. Like many designers this season, Ghesquiere focussed on the shoulder, and did so spectacularly with his wrap around velvet pieces in navy and black. Now that is luxury power dressing.

Our Top 5 velvet party picks

Limited Collection velvet belted dress £45 from Marks and Spencer.

Jasmine di Milo Full Length Velvet Dress £675 available from My-Wardrobe.

Diane von Furstenberg Grano printed velvet wrap dress $345 available from Net-a-Porter.

K Karl Lagerfeld Lace-detailed velvet dress $415 available from Net-a-Porter

Miu Miu Velvet bow clutch bag $520 from Net-a-Porter.