Velvet Garments Bring Touchable Fashion to 2011 Runways

If fashion is the sign that advertises what it means to be brand "you," then velvet certainly screams out "touch me." Though previously heavy, matronly and associated only with stuffy curtains in grandma high society, velvet is on its way back as touchable party wear, sporting shapes from tight tube dresses for dancing in the clubs to draping gowns for the next red carpet gala.

Velvet may be fuzzy, but the message on the runways isn't: for clothing that you want to touch, velvet, real or faux, is a smooth way to go.

Real Velvet or Fake Velvet?

Imitation velvet is usually considerably cheaper than real velvet fabric, and it can be more wearable for certain types of garments. Imitation velvet is also called velveteen. The basic difference between velveteen and genuine velvet is the type of fibers made to create the fabric.

Velvet is made from much stronger fibers and will create a much longer-lasting garment, but it may be heavier than imitation velvet. Most real velvet is made from silk fibers, while cotton is the basis of most velveteen.

While velveteen can be a better choice for tight dresses or drowns meant for delicate draping, genuine velvet is best for pants and coats because it resists wear in areas that rub. However, real velvet is more difficult to clean, so it is not good for garments meant for everyday or frequent wearing.

Hot Designer and Celebrity Velvet Looks

Splatterings of velvet spattered the runways for the early Winter 2011 season from designers like Nicholas K and Emporio Armani. Underground fashion is also latching onto the velvet craze, bursting with fuzzy offerings like a velvetesque swimsuit/leotard making its rounds in the Spring 2011 collection for up-and-coming Las Vegas Designer Jimi Cto.

With Snooki rocking the velvet-esque leopard print in the shiny and short dress category while the Twilight craze wanes, expect for velvet to become acceptable again in the high fashion arena through late Winter 2011 into the chilly fashion trend season of 2012.

Get the Velvet Look for Less Money

To get that fuzzy vamp flair without hitting up the super expensive stores, try some respected everyday high-end clothing brands like Seven and their pair of affordably skinny velvet pants .

Other places to check for affordable velvet fashion include Hot Topic, Forever 21 and the Gap, which may feature velveteen wear that is as durable as high-end velvet without the high price tag.

These types of stores get new trends in short periods of time, so it's good to check their clearance sections on a regular basis for quality unique pieces that carried a bit too much in flair for your general retail shopper.