![VELVET_HERO_Look6.1_bw](https://www.russh.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/VELVET_HERO_Look6.1_bw.jpg)
She's a smooth operator. From Dion Lee's slink to Max Mara's red statement, we explore this season's essential fabric: velvet.
![VELVET_Look1.1_colour](https://www.russh.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/VELVET_Look1.1_colour.jpg)
“Adding texture goes a long way. A once-simple slip dress comes to life with a fabric like velvet.” – Natalie Petrevski, Junior Fashion Editor
![VELVET_Look1.2_colour](https://www.russh.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/VELVET_Look1.2_colour.jpg)
![VELVET_Look2.1_colour](https://www.russh.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/VELVET_Look2.1_colour.jpg)
![VELVET_Look2.3_bw](https://www.russh.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/VELVET_Look2.3_bw.jpg)
![VELVET_Look4_colour](https://www.russh.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/VELVET_Look4_colour.jpg)
"Explore the colour wheel. Velvet works across a variety of hues, not just your staple black." - Victoria Pearson, Arts Editor
![VELVET_Look5_colour](https://www.russh.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/VELVET_Look5_colour.jpg)
![VELVET_Look3.1_colour](https://www.russh.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/VELVET_Look3.1_colour.jpg)
![VELVET_Look8_bw](https://www.russh.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/VELVET_Look8_bw.jpg)
![VELVET_Look7_colour](https://www.russh.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/VELVET_Look7_colour.jpg)
![VELVET_Look6_colour](https://www.russh.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/VELVET_Look6_colour.jpg)
PHOTOGRAPHY Kelly Geddes
FASHION Natalie Petrevski
MODEL Sille Norfjand @ IMG
HAIR & MAKEUP Teneille Sorgiovanni @ Work Agency
STYLIST’S ASSISTANT Holly Lees