Holiday Dressing: Brocade & Velvet Burnout
With holiday party season in full swing, we turn our attention to brocade and burnout velvet, two ornate fabrics that will infuse some seasonal sheen into your wardrobe. Both fabrics can be tricky to wear: brocade sways into mother-of-the-bride mumsy territory and burnout velvet can go a little gypsy/witchy (and not in a cool Stevie Nicks kind of way). But witnessing both fabrics on the fall runways and in the resort/holiday collections of many designers gave us reason to take another—more contemporary—look at both.
Brocade

Fall 2011: Marc Jacobs (photo by Randy Brooke/Contributor), Roland Mouret (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Peter Som (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Dries Van Noten (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images)
Some of the most talented designers working today gave head-to-toe brocade a dose of serious sophistication by showing it in tailored, almost architectural silhouettes. Marc Jacobs layered a peplum-waisted black on black brocade strapless dress over a lace blouse to create a modern Victorian look. Roland Mouret worked with subtle classic gold brocade for several looks, including a structured floor length gown with slight metallic sheen. Peter Som used vibrant color and abstract designs in an off-the-shoulder cocktail dress. Dries van Noten channeled stunning floral upholstery prints in high contrast gold on black.
New Tracy Reese Brocade Trench Coat
(buy it now price, $329.99)
Brocade Beaded Clutch
(buy it now price, $79.99)
New Zac Posen for Target Brocade Dress
(buy it now price, $39.95)
Vintage Brocade Reversible Clutch
(buy it now price, $79.99)
Golden Brocade Brooch Pin
(buy it now price, $9.50)
New Marc by Marc Brocade Shirt
(buy it now price, $131.20)
New Prada Brocade Blazer
(buy it now price, $225.99)
New Balenciaga Brocade Shorts
(buy it now price, $499)
Stuart Weitzman Brocade Pumps
(buy it now price, $145)
New Balmain Brocade Trousers
(buy it now price, $445)
Vintage Satin Brocade Evening Bag
(buy it now price, $29.99)
Burnout Velvet

Fall 2011: Nina Ricci (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Proenza Schouler (photo by Catwalking/Getty Images), Emilio Pucci (photo by Runway Venturelli/Contributor), Roberto Cavalli (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images)
Designers used velvet burnout to create a myriad of patterns for fall, from a feminine leaf print at Nina Ricci to old chevrons and tribal prints from Proenza Schouler. Paired with silk and chiffon, burnout is a perfect companion to this season’s sheer trend. At Pucci the effect was high-collared, lady-like Edwardian romance, while Roberto Cavalli combined bohemian elegance with rock n roll edginess, complete with skinny velvet scarves and double wrist cuffs.
New Winter Kate Velvet Burnout Jacket
(buy it now price, $149)
New Elie Tahari Velvet Burnout Skirt
(buy it now price, $149.97)
Bill Blass Velvet Burnout Blazer
(buy it now price, $149)
New LaRok Velvet Burnout Dress
(buy it now price, $188)
Vintage Velvet Burnout Maxi Skirt
(buy it now price, $39)
New Anthropologie Velvet Burnout Skirt
(buy it now price, $99.99)
New Max Studio Velvet Burnout Dress
(buy it now price, $44.99)
Rena Rowan Velvet Burnout Top
(buy it now price, $28.95)
Vintage 1960’s Velvet Burnout Cocktail Purse
(buy it now price, $84.99)
New Winter Kate Velvet Burnout Tunic Dress
(buy it now price, $195)
Citron Velvet Burnout Jacket
(buy it now price, $139.99)