silk velvet

Hi. Does anyone know anywhere I can find a high quality 100% silk velvet to be used for jacketing? I am interested in commissioning a new smokin jacket but all my tailor has to offer is either 100% cotton velvet or silk with something else. I am aware that there are very few producers left out there but unfortunately I do not have their contact details. Hope someone can help. Eck

There are several possible avenues to explore for silk-velvet: high-end upholstery fabric suppliers, such as Brunschwig et Fils; bespoke bootmakers, such as John Lobb St. James;
Savile Row tailors; and fabric houses, such as Holland & Sherry, Scabal, etc.

The French have long been considered the finest makers of silk-velvet, though I wonder if the millwork isn't actually done in China these days. The problem with silk-velvet for upholstery is two-fold, the dimension of the yardage (27x36 inches) and the price (three to four figures/yard). The goods aren't wide enough for a smoking jacket, but Lobb or G&G will make you a pair of Albert slippers in the stuff. Silk-velvet has a very rich lustre; and in addition to a variety of solid colors, patterns are available such as tiger, leopard, etc.

There is another high-end velvet to consider, namely mohair-velvet. It has a lustre almost as rich as its silk counterpart, and the yardage is wider. It's a bit less dear, too. By the way, you will need a decorator's card to flip through the flaps of fabric at Brunschwig, not to mention doing business with the firm. Find a willing interior designer, throw in lunch, and tag along.

For other sources of velvet, contact tailors and fabric houses. Ask them how they feel about velvet smokers. Topnotch tailors are a wealth of information about all things material, and they're good about sharing their expertise and steering you to other possible sources for fabric.

JMB

Thanks. Ill phone a few good tailors tomorrow hopefully theyll be able to help.