The history of the velvet blazer in fashion
Have you ever wondered why the velvet jacket evokes such a feeling of luxury, style and vivacity? It’s probably all down to its remarkable history. The velvet blazer has managed to carve its own niche in fashion – it’s neither everyday nor inaccessible; neither overly formal nor too casual. It’s perfect for parties, dinner dates and weddings, but would probably be somewhat out of place in the office or at the match. Once you’ve learnt where it comes from, everything will make sense.
The Origins of Velvet
Velvet, a soft, strokable fabric synonymous with luxury, has a history dating back to the ancient civilisations of the Middle and Far East. It became more widely known after it found its way to Baghdad, then one the world’s cultural and trading capitals, during the early mediaeval period.
The craft of velvet weaving soon spread across Europe via trade routes, delighting the courts of Italy in the 14th century. Revered for its softness and sheen, velvet quickly established itself as a material of refined artistry. It was of course reserved exclusively for nobility, thanks to its labour-intensive production.
The Evolution of Jackets
Jackets, meanwhile, were undergoing their own metamorphosis. Originally functional garments worn by peasants and labourers for warmth and utility, jackets evolved dramatically by the 16th century as tailoring techniques advanced. With the development of fitted silhouettes, jackets began their ascent to high fashion. They became ever more extravagant and expensive, before the style percolated back down the classes, this time as a more formal piece.
Velvet and Jackets get Buttoned Up
The marriage of velvet with the structured form of the jacket was inevitable, given fashion’s tendency to combine formality with opulence. This union first displayed itself in the courts of Renaissance Europe, where luxurious velvet was used to tailor elaborate robes and overcoats. By the Victorian era, the velvet blazer had solidified its status as a garment epitomising the sartorial tastes of high society.
Historical Context and Importance
The velvet blazer’s journey from Victorian parlours to modern-day haute couture is a tale of changing societal standards. When it first appeared on the scene, it was predominantly worn by the aristocratic elite. Even as late as the 19th century in Britain, owning a velvet blazer signified far more than just an appreciation for aesthetics; it was a statement of social rank and refinement.
In the 20th century, velvet jackets exploded in popularity thanks to the golden age of Hollywood and Broadway. Icons such as Fred Astaire, Clark Gable and Noël Coward took the garment from stately soirées to the limelight of global media.
Astaire’s effortless depiction of debonair sophistication and Gable’s rugged charm in Gone with the Wind immortalised the velvet blazer as a symbol of masculine elegance and Hollywood glamour. Coward’s look was perhaps a little more romantic or even camp, especially when it came to the elongated form of the quilted velvet smoking jacket, but it still resonated with undertones of caddish sophistication and fun.
On Broadway, performers embraced velvet jackets as perfect pieces for grand entrances and theatrical flair, magnified by its deep hues and reflective quality under stage lighting. That’s how the allure of velvet became indelibly linked with stardom and glamour.
Modern-day Ubiquity and Eternal Elegance
Unlike many fashion fads that fade with time, the velvet blazer has proven to be timeless. Today, advances in fabric technology and mass production have democratised access to velvet. No longer confined to bespoke tailors, velvet blazers are now available at affordable price points, making this once-elite item accessible to all.
But despite this, its connotation with grandeur and sophistication remains intact. From weddings to cocktail soirees, the velvet blazer is still an enduring icon of charming, sophisticated menswear. If a guest turns up wearing one, you know they’re there to enjoy themselves.
What’s your Dream Velvet Blazer?
Whether you want an inky black number to shimmer into the evening, or an exquisite Paisley jacket in rich burgundy, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Xposed London. Our velvet blazer collection is all about sophisticated charm. They’re priced to reflect their opulence but are certainly worth the investment if you want to turn heads at the next event on your social calendar. Unlock your inner aristocrat in a blazer crafted from this most sumptuous of fabrics.
