An evening bag is judged first by its material. Brocade, velvet and satin are not worn at the same moment or with the same outfit, and they are not cared for in the same way. Here is how to tell them apart, using bags from our atelier.
Brocade
A heavy fabric with the pattern woven into it, often with metallic threads: the flowers or arabesques stand out in slight relief and change with the light. It holds its shape and barely creases. You will find it on our Japanese knot bags and on the floral brocade clutches with a chain. It brings the pattern, so the dress stays plain.
Occasion clutches
Floral brocade evening clutch in silver & plum — rigid handle, detachable chain
€120.00One of a kind
Velvet
A fabric with a short, dense pile, matt and deep, that absorbs the light. It is the ideal ground for embroidery: beads, crystals and gold thread stand out strongly against it. Velvet says “evening” and “winter”. Examples: the burgundy velvet bag embroidered with beads and the occasion clutches embroidered in gold.
Bags & Accessories
Embroidered burgundy velvet evening bag — bouquet of beads & crystals
€115.00One of a kind
Satin
Smooth, shiny on one side, fluid: it catches the light without sequins. Gathered into a pouch bag and embroidered with beads, it is romantic in ivory and chic in black: the beaded black satin pouch bag and its ivory version.
Bags & Accessories
Black satin pouch bag — bead-embroidered base, drawstring & gold-tone chain
€109.00One of a kind
Metallic fabric
A fabric woven with, or coated in, a metallic sheen: it changes colour with the angle. Our emerald green and gold metallic bag is a good example; wear it in the evening, with black or gold.
Python effect
A printed material that imitates snakeskin scales: it is not python leather. Bold and easy to wear, it works by day as well as by night; see the burgundy python-effect clutch.
Bags & Accessories
Python-effect clutch in burgundy — gold-tone bar & wrist strap
€59.00One of a kind
How to recognise real brocade
Turn a corner of the fabric over: on the back of a brocade, you can see the pattern threads running from one flower to the next, like a negative of the design. That proves the pattern is woven into the fabric, not printed on the surface. To the touch, brocade is thicker and stiffer than a printed fabric, and the pattern catches slightly under your finger.
At a glance
- Brocade: woven pattern, holds its shape, day and evening; dry cloth or dry cleaning.
- Velvet: matt and deep, evening and winter; soft brush, no steam on the embroidery.
- Satin: smooth and shiny, all year round; no water, dry cleaning.
- Metallic: sheen, evening; dry cloth.
- Python effect: printed, any occasion; dry cloth.
For beads, see how to care for a beaded bag. For help choosing, see our guide to choosing an evening bag for a wedding. See all our evening bags and clutches.
Frequently asked questions
Does brocade crease?
Very little: it is a heavy fabric that keeps its shape. Store it flat to avoid sharp folds.
Can velvet cope with rain?
Not well: water marks the pile. Keep it covered, and if it gets wet, let it dry flat without rubbing.
