THE HISTORY OF VELVET IS AS RICH AS THE FABRIC ITSELF. DONNED BY ROYALS FOR CENTURIES, THE PLUSH TEXTILE UNDERWENT A DISCO AND BOHEMIAN-ERA REVIVAL IN THE ‘70S AND ‘80S. JOIN THE LEGACY OF SMOOTH OPERATORS IN A MIDNIGHT NAVY SUIT THAT SHIMMERS UNDER LOW LIGHT, CRIMSON SLIPPERS THAT TURN SIDEWALKS INTO RUNWAYS, OR A TUXEDO JACKET WITH LEADING MAN SWAGGER: VALIANT VELVET FLIPS THE SCRIPT ON MASCULINE STYLE
BY CHRISTINE CIPOLLA
Indochino Harford Suit
Oozing confidence, this sharp suit dances along the intersection of old-school luxury and modern gravitas. The set is custom made to your unique measurements and specs, and thoughtfully constructed from top quality components. $799, indochino.com
Ralph Lauren Tuxedo Jacket
Refined tailoring is RL Purple Label’s forte. Case in point: this dapper jacket, produced in Italy from wool-velvet and finished with silk-trimmed shawl lapels and a frog closure in place of buttons, a detail inspired by Chinese craftsmanship. $4,995, mrporter.com
Italo Ferretti Scarf
Boasting small azure blue geometric pat terns and entirely handmade in Italy, this stylish piece is reversible, with one side in printed velvet and the other in pure silk, then lined with a resplendent silk fringe. $467, italoferretti.com
Shanghai Tang Jacket
Break up with ordinary in this emerald green jacket lined with geometric silk jacquard in a rich, kingly color scheme. Exemplifying modern Asian aesthetics, details include a Mandarin collar, frog button closures down the front, and two spacious front pockets. Wear the cuffs turned down or up for a touch of contemporary chinoiserie. $1,155, shanghaitang.com
Philipp Plein Gigolo Blazer
Level up your swagger game with this fierce velvet blazer featuring a gritty, raw denim bleached effect and a standout logo patch. Finished with a slick two-button front, side slit pockets, a back vent for flow, and a fully lined interior, it was built to steal the show. $2,560, farfetch.com
Dolce & Gabbana Coat of Arms Shoes
Strut into your kingdom in style in these sophisticated Milano slippers. They are assembled of fine velvet with grosgrain piping, then topped with an intricate coat of arms embellishment to highlight your stature. $1,345, dolcegabbana.com
Prada Velvet Denim Shirt
Channeling a streetwear vibe, this sporty snap-front button-down was born to impress. Crafted from a bold blend of materials, it yields a pointed collar and snap cuffed sleeves for a sleek, structured look. A patch pocket stamped with an iconic enameled metal triangle logo adds a hint of industrial edge. $2,050, bergdorfgoodman.com
Todd Snyder Relaxed Trouser
A fab basic to keep in your arsenal, these caramel hued pants, a twist on the classic chino, are as versatile as it gets. They offer a loose fit with a concealable drawcord at the comfortable elastic waist. The neutral color goes with anything! $298, toddsnyder.com
Roberto Cavalli Animal Print Shirt
Rebels, meet your new favorite party shirt. Showcasing semi-transparent burnout velvet construction, this wild-print button down comes to life with captivating zebra and leopard patterns in a brooding noir hue. Tuck it into trousers to jazz up the dress suit, or rock it with denim and chunky boots for casual cool. $1,350, robertocavalli.com