Ananya Panday’s recent appearance addresses a pressing question: “Is velvet considered stylish nowadays?”

It’s not a common sight to witness a celebrity like Ananya Panday donning velvet, as it’s a fabric typically associated with historical imagery, perhaps featuring a flamboyant French child king clutching a goblet. However, if we take cues from recent collections by renowned fashion houses like Schiaparelli and Versace – which often set the tone for upcoming seasons – it’s evident that the fashion industry is eager to transform the antiquated perception of velvet. Ananya Panday seems to share this sentiment, as evidenced by her latest promotional look for “Dream Girl 2,” where she wore a midnight blue velvet dress designed by Alex Perry.

In this ensemble, the actress was captured wearing a one-shoulder dress with a midriff-baring design, all adorned with the sumptuous sheen of soft velvet. Styled by her longtime collaborator Meagan Concessio, Panday complemented the outfit with a sleek, slicked-back bun, understated yet glamorous makeup, and accessorized with jewelry from Mahesh Notandass and Ayana Silver Jewellery.

In recent years, fashion has demonstrated that the revival of styles often associated with grandparents – think of the Etsy-driven resurgence of crochet – can indeed find a new audience. Just as crochet evolved from its old-fashioned image to become a favorite among ‘it’-girls, velvet might be on the brink of shedding its outdated, Victorian associations. Panday’s attire, with its contemporary silhouette and styling, exudes opulence rather than antiquity. In an era where everyone seeks ways to embrace luxury, velvet could very well become the next big trend.