FILTERS
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- Beaded Net
- Beaded Tulle
- Chiffon
- Crystal Mesh
- Crystal Organza
- Crystal Organza Print
- Crystal Satin
- Embroidery
- Glitter
- Glitter Stretch Jersey
- Glitter Tulle
- Hologram Jersey
- Hologram Sequin
- Jacquard
- Jersey
- Lace
- Luxe Lycra Jersey
- Lycra
- Matte Satin
- Metallic Crepe
- Metallic Jacquard
- Metallic Net
- Metallic Organza
- Metallic Shimmer
- Ombre Glitter Tulle
- Ombre Velvet Sequin
- Organza
- Organza Print
- Pleated Strech Lame
- Pleated Tulle
- Print Chiffon
- Print Mikado
- Print Satin
- Satin
- Satin Print
- Scuba
- Sequin
- Sequin Beading
- Sequin Glitter Stretch Jersey
- Sequin Tulle
- Shimmer Sequin
- Strech Shimmer Jersey
- Stretch Jersey
- Stretch Lame
- Stretch Net
- Stretch Print Tulle
- Stretch Satin
- Stretch Satin Jersey
- Stretch Shimmer Jersey
- Stretch Tulle
- Taffeta
- Triacetate
- Tulle
- Velvet
Prom Dresses
Rachel Allan Velvet Prom Dresses
Velvet absorbs light rather than reflecting it, creating color depth that appears almost three-dimensional. The pile structure traps illumination within thousands of tiny fiber loops, producing saturation that flat-weave fabrics cannot achieve. Rachel Allan uses velvet when color itself needs to be a primary design element, choosing jewel tones that reach maximum intensity through the fabric's light-absorbing properties. Burgundy becomes wine-dark, emerald reads impossibly green, and midnight blue approaches black in shadow while glowing richly under direct light.
Directional Pile Behavior
Run your hand across velvet and the color changes based on stroke direction. The pile lies in one orientation, appearing lighter when brushed toward the nap and darker when stroked against it. This directional quality means the dress shows tonal variation based on viewing angle and how light hits different sections. Rachel Allan exploits this natural color shift by cutting pattern pieces with varying nap directions, creating visual interest through the fabric's inherent properties rather than applied embellishment.
Tactile Luxury
The plush surface feels sumptuous against skin, providing sensory luxury that smooth fabrics lack. Velvet's softness communicates quality through touch, making the material instantly recognizable as premium even before visual assessment. This tactile dimension adds to the formal experience of wearing the dress, where the fabric choice contributes to the overall sense of occasion. The pile also prevents the fabric from feeling cold initially, providing immediate comfort that silks and satins don't offer.
Weight and Drape Character
Velvet carries substantial weight that creates controlled, dignified drape rather than fluid flow. The fabric falls in deliberate folds with sculptural quality, producing shapes that feel intentional and structured. This weighted drape gives velvet gowns presence and gravitas appropriate for formal events. Rachel Allan uses this property for designs where the silhouette needs to make a statement through pure form, letting the fabric's body create drama without relying on volume or embellishment.
Surface Texture Contrast
The pile creates raised texture that contrasts beautifully with smooth fabrics when used in combination. Velvet bodices paired with satin skirts produce tactile and visual interest through material juxtaposition. The matte richness of velvet also serves as ideal background for sequins or beading, where the pile's light absorption makes applied embellishments stand out dramatically against the non-reflective base.