This season our collection features some beautiful textures and one in particular stands out as a truly luxurious and festive fabric: Devoré. We decided to find out a little more about this season's on-trend fabric.
Devoré comes from the French dévorer: to devour. It is a type of fabric, also known as ‘burnout’, where areas of velvet are burnt away using acid to create a pattern. By burning away the pile, a semi-transparent pattern appears.
Velvet is a costly fabric to produce, with two thicknesses of material being woven at the same time and then cut to create the pile effect. Historically, velvet was made using silk, which made it prohibitively expensive except for royalty and the very wealthy. However, today it can be made of cotton, viscose, and other fabrics.
Velvet has an interesting past: a precursor to the velvet we know today dates back thousands of years to Ancient Egypt. ‘Modern’ velvet, made of silk, originates from China and came to Middle East in the 12th century. From here it was imported by Venetian merchants who introduced it to Europe. Until the 16th century Italian velvet was considered the highest quality and they were also the largest European supplier until Flemish weavers took that accolade. Between the 14th and 16th centuries velvet is held in high esteem, used by the wealthy and the church; King Richard II decreed in his will that his body be covered in velvet. Because of this, velvet is rooted in our culture as being a luxurious fabric. It was not until the 19th century during and because of the Industrial Revolution that velvet became a more affordable fabric due to cheaper production costs.
Devoré originates from France in the 19th century, possibly as a cheaper alternative to lace. From then on devoré enjoys periodic popularity, especially during the 1920s when it formed an integral part of upper class fashion.
Today it still carries that association with luxury and wealth, not only through its sumptuous 'hand-feel' but also its appearance. Use it to add texture and a touch of elegance to your ensemble.
Channel the glamour of the Roaring ‘20s through our opulent, on-trend devoré pieces!
An ideal to piece to instantly elevate your look: simply drape over your outfit. Delicately sheer, with frosted-effect devoré, this Devoré Kimono drapes well and features turn-back cuffs and a faced collar.
This Devoré Jersey Top & Skirt have all the luxury of devoré without the transparency. Made from a luxuriously soft flock jersey this outfit features an abstract devoré design. The fully lined six-panel skirt has an elasticated waistband, perfect for you to slip into, whilst the top is styled with a crew neckline and side slits in the hem; together they create a truly elegant ensemble.
Which devoré piece do you prefer? Do you already have a favourite devoré garment in your existing wardrobe? If so we'd love to hear from you. Let us know by leaving a comment using the box below or email your photos to custserv@cotswoldcollections.com.
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