Velvet - The Fabric Of Fall By Catherine Olivia Wednesday, October 4, 2006

The history of velvet is somewhat fuzzy, but the first English reference to it was in 1278, when a king's tailor purchased the fabric in Paris for the kings bed. More than 700 years later you don't have to be a king to afford to wear velvet.

You're seeing it everywhere, in every shade. Carefully created into dazzling jackets, dresses, handbags, boots, pumps and flats. You will find velvet this fall in an array of rich, deep colors like navy blue, emerald and red, meant to make a fashion statement. You can't be shy and wear velvet this year!

Alice & Olivia offer a velvet military jacket in navy with leather piping. Nanette Lepore offers an embellished velvet jacket in muted shades with a peacock feather print. Moschino is showing a dress saluting the paisley craze. It's a lovely cognac velvet halter dress with a medallion print. One of the standout velvet creations this season has to be the Cynthia Steffe strapless velvet empire dress. It features a dark green bust trimmed with golden ribbon. The dress falls into a three tiered nutmeg colored velvet skirt which falls just below the knee. The bottom tier of this dress is beautifully embellished with gold and green floral embroidery. There are only two words to describe this dress - rich and opulent.

Shoe designers have always loved velvet. Yves Saint Laurent is offering a beautiful crossover velvet sandal in olive. Christian Lacroix offers an unexpected twist on chic with his dark brown velvet sandal which is made an absolute must have with the addition of a teal and black wool flower on the heel. You have to check this shoe out. Can somebody say perfect for any upcoming holiday celebration? Shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo is offering a Victorian inspired velvet pump in a rich wine color. He also shows a very strappy and sexy black velvet platform sandal, perfect for evening affairs. You can pair these sandals with a cropped jacket in teal velvet and black satin pencil pants, perfect!

Don't forget to check out the wide array of velvet bags. Hobo's, clutch bags and totes are shown in velvet. Giorgio Armani is offering his signature tote in croc-embossed velvet. Gucci is showing a green velvet shoulder flap bag accented with a crocodile trim.

Splurge and buy yourself a spectacular velvet piece this fall - you won't regret it!