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By Heidi Quill , Faye Fearon and Jessie Atkinson
Awards season: the time of year when velvet begins to rear its head. While velvet suits and formalwear embody a timeless tailoring trope that’s long been the go-to — especially for suave black tie ensembles — recent times have seen the material crop up in its trendiest incarnations yet – causing quite the stir on some rather notable red carpets.
Once dismissed as a festive novelty, Daniel Craig changed the game with his custom Anderson & Sheppard double-breasted velvet tuxedo jacket at the long-awaited premiere for No Time To Die. Standing proudly against the rich scarlet of the red carpet with 007’s favourite Omega watch peeking out of his trouser pocket, the sixth Bond caused quite a stir on social media as he threw caution to the event’s ‘Black & Gold’ theme with his choice of a warm pink tone. And it seems like Craig’s veneration for velvet is far from a one-off in celebrity circles, with Jake Gyllenhaal seen strutting the red carpet in an emerald-green velvet Bottega Veneta suit, paired like a pro with a simple white T-shirt and loafers combo.
Of course, velvet tailoring is nothing new at high-profile events such as these – an honourable mention must, after all, be given to Donald Glover, who was ahead of this season’s trend way back at the 2017 Golden Globes. In fact, it’s not even all that new for Bonds – Sean Connery rarely shied away from a slick velvet dinner jacket in timeless films such as Diamonds Are Forever.
But we digress – velvet suits are well and truly back in the zeitgeist and here to stay through an awards season of dressing to the nines. Whether you’re in the market for a dinner jacket to wear with regular tailored trousers or a head-to-toe look a la Jake G, we’ve found options for every budget, from Reiss and Boss to Gucci and Bottega Veneta. The red carpet awaits…
Available in two shades – black and navy – Reiss’ classic take on the velvet blazer will score you style points season after season. Ticking the boxes for all essential tailoring components, from satin notch lapels and buttoned cuffs to a back double vent and full lining, it’s best based on a foundation of white dinner shirt and bow tie for fashionable formality. £298. reiss.com
If the sumptuous velvet of this jacket weren't enough to raise eyebrows, then its vibrant cobalt blue hue ought to be. Tailored to the label's signature Soho silhouette, Paul Smith's pick has been Italian-crafted for a flattering fit that skims the shoulders and tightens over the torso. Keep things simple with black trousers, or go all out with Paul Smith's matching blue velvet pair. £750. At matchesfashion.com
In the kaleidoscopic world of colour psychology, this golden amber hue represents courage, confidence, and enduring wisdom. Which, actually, is pretty apt, because that's precisely what you'll be exuding in this velvet tuxedo jacket from Moss London. £149. moss.co.uk
Did someone say “logomania”? Because this Gucci suit is ready to answer. Taking on the classic, Guccified, double-breasted silhouette of the 1980s, this wide-legged number is set apart by its risen velvet Double G design throughout. Just add chunky loafers. Jacket, £2,550. Trousers, £1,250. gucci.com
Marks & Spencer's velvet blazer
High street hero and expert proprietor of posh biscuits, there's more to M&S' online selection than just groceries, you know. Enter the M&S velvet blazer. Cut with swooping shawl lapels and broad shoulders, this luxe pick has an air of vintage about it, all the while keeping things sharp and contemporary. £99. marksandspencer.com
Prada is a failsafe port of call for a tailored silhouette. Why? Because it proves that simple is always best. In this velvet case, this is ensured through a slim-fitting structure (synonymous with the Italian house), a high button structure (for a little nod to mod style) and a discreet chenille logo emblazoned across the chest. Easy, always, does it. Jacket, £2,300. Trousers, £1,100. At matchesfashion.com
Opulent and ever-so-slightly old-school in design, Reiss' Aspara blazer is the definitive choice for turning heads at all manner of formal occasions. Set apart by its retro-inspired, broad peak labels and rich construction, this pick is modernised by its vibrant teal hue and figure-enhancing slim fit silhouette. £298. reiss.com
Paul Smith is a purveyor of good tailoring, especially for the party season. With that in mind, we’ll turn your attention to this simple (but, rest assured, effective upon wear) evening suit. Crafted in Italy from a luxurious black velvet, it features satin trims and an abstracted-printed lining inside. Very nice for those who see the latter. £1,265. paulsmith.com
Embracing a touch of Parisian style is never a bad idea – and Husbands is the place to provide it. The French brand’s latest collection includes this single-breasted, burgundy velvet blazer: fitted with notch lapels, softly roped shoulders, horn buttons and straight flap pockets. Complete your evening attire with this piece for guaranteed elegance. £1,080. husbands-paris.com
Our mourning for the big Topshop HQ on Oxford Street trudges on, but we’re thankful that Asos does at least continue to carry the flame. Right now it’s showing this slim-fit velvet suit in black: ideal for those among us looking to wear mesh under our jackets. £150. At asos.com
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