Red velvet

"Like iron, fire, bronze, wool, and the silk of which it is the highest woven expression, velvet has accompanied the transformation of civilisation throughout time in art and in daily life."

Fabricio de' Marinis, The Realm of the Senses, in F. de' Marinis (ed), Velvet: History, Techniques, Fashions, Idea Books, Milan 1994, p.9