I have not washed this set yet but am totally in love with it.  The black flower type pieces are more of a velvet and feel amazing.  So warm yet cool.  I am hoping that when I eventually wash it that the stuffing inside the comforter doesn't mesh together.  There is a 2-3 inch line of stitching in different areas to help the stuffing stay in place.  I do like that it didn't come with sheets because I plan on getting red ones along with a few other red accents in my room.