Velvet is woven and unyielding (and shouldn't be confused with velour (crushed velvet) which is knitted and has a stretchy quality). The term velvet actually refers more to structure than fibre - it can be woven from both silk, cotton and polyester. Tieroom's velvet products are cotton velvet, the most common kind in fashion, by some referred to as 'real velvet'. Velvet is a soft, sensual fabric with ancient history, some say more than 2000 years. Frequent use in royal and religious robes has contributed to its long-lasting popularity. Velvet's undeniable peak was during the Renaissance in Italian cities like Venice, Florence and Milan. The complicated production technique made it a luxury accessible only to the wealthiest. Although velvet nowadays is much easier and cheaper to come by, the association to luxury, power and royalty stands strong up to this day!.