Photography by Jean-Claude Lussier & IMAXTREE.com (runway)
Technicolor brights have been a big story for a while now and they’re still going strong for fall. The difference from last season’s smashing tints is that there is far less focus on bold blocks of colour and, instead, wearing an electric array in one single piece is now de rigueur. Here are the ten all-important tones you need to try now. Simply pick a shade to suit your mood and work the season’s spectrum in style.
1. COBALT
Left to right: Christian Dior F/W 2012 , Rag & Bone F/W 2012 , Jil Sander F/W 2012
Cobalt: Bright blue, particularly in a cobalt colour, was a runway favourite with designers who painted it on everything from casual après ski sweaters at Jil Sander to boardroom ready tailoring at Rochas.
Seen at: Jonathan Saunders, Rag & Bone, Christian Dior, Jil Sander, Gareth Pugh, Victoria Beckham.
How to wear it: Stride out in twilight blue trousers. They’re the perfect alternative to tired denim and really pop when paired with basic black.
2. GOLD
Left to right: Dries Van Noten F/W 2012, Stella McCartney F/W 2012, Calvin Klein F/W 2012
Gold: It’s all about decadence for day, dahling. The appeal of gold remains untarnished as Dries van Noten went for brocade shimmer, Stella McCartney added a gleaming gilded touch to her knits and Christophe Decarnin suited up in the shiny stuff for his final collection for Balmain.
Seen at: Calvin Klein, Diane von Furstenberg, Balmain, Stella McCartney, Dries van Noten.
How to wear it: A sparkly sweater dress is the simplest, most user-friendly way to add metallic shine for fall. Best of all? No jewellery required.
3. PURPLE
Left to right: Missoni F/W 2012, Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2012, Ackermann F/W 2012
Purple: From a subdued lilac at Mulberry to a high voltage lavender shade at Balenciaga, we were thrilled to see the omnipresence of purple on the runways. Shrinking violets, it goes without saying, need not apply.
Seen at: Balenciaga, Versace, Haider Ackermann, Blumarine, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Missoni.
How to wear it: Take a cue from Gucci, Missoni or Alberta Ferretti’s collections and consider a violet fur topper. Faux or the real deal, the look is positively regal.
4. ORANGE
Left to right: DKNY F/W 2012, Miu Miu F/W 2012, Paul Smith F/W 2012
Orange: The instant we spotted a lone tangerine coat coming down the runway at Celine, we developed an orange crush. Burberry Prorsum, Bottega Veneta and Aquilando.Rimondi offered their own standout looks on the citrus shade, making it fall’s juiciest new hue.
Seen at: DKNY, Chloé, Céline, Giambattista Valli, Prada, Miu Miu
How to wear it: Unquestionably, the line between looking traffic-cone and traffic-stopper is a fine one. Follow Phoebe Philo’s lead and punch your fall ensembles with a honeysuckle topper. If the look simply too much, try out one standout extra – like a orange tote in a traditional shape, or even bright sunnies to add a splash of colour to your face.
Check out other colours you must try now, on the next page…
5. EMERALD
Left to right: Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2012, Marni F/W 2012, Burberry Prorsum F/W 2012
Emerald: An array of jewel tones are in for fall, but it’s deep emerald green that best says ladylike chic. Are you a gem dandy?
Seen at: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Burberry Prorsum, Givenchy, Marni, Isabel Marant, Dolce & Gabbana.
How to wear it: The long green dress that made star turns at Ralph Lauren, Gucci and Pucci, is your new evening uniform.
6. RED
Left to right: Marc Jacobs F/W 2012, Derek Lam F/W 2012, Sonia Rykiel F/w 2012
Red: Admittedly, scarlet tends to be standard issue for fall but what we love about the new season’s take is the fabulous renderings of the fiery hue. From top-to-toe crimson at Michael Kors to deeper merlots and burgundies at Louis Vuitton and Todd Lynn, red is best and boldest was to make an entrance.
Seen at: BCBG Max Azria, Derek Lam, Marc Jacobs, Sonia Rykiel.
How to wear it: Just add a leather jacket to scarlet jeans for instant rock ‘n roll cool.
7. GRAY
Left to right: Michael Kors F/W 2012, Marni F/W 2012, Gucci F/W 2012
Gray: In a season marked by a clash of bold brights, the addition of heather and dove greys on the runways was a positively chic palette cleanser.
Seen at: Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Jason Wu, Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen.
How to wear it: The elegant neutral looks ultra luxe when paired with winter white.
8. NUDE
Left to right: Lanvin F/W 2012, Alexander Wang F/W 2012, Valentino F/W 2012
Nude: Camel, taupe, beige, tan – there’s no better way to buff up your look than with a tonal neutral.
Seen at: Alexander Wang, Valentino, Chloe, Michael Kors, Lanvin, Prabal Gurung.
How to wear it: Try mixing different shades and textures to add dimension to your look.
9. PINK
Left to right: DKNY F/W 2012, Sophie Theallet F/W 2012, Giambattista Valli F/W 2012
Pink: Whether it was bold sorbet shades or electric fuchsias, designers embraced the power of pink.
Seen at: Bottega Veneta, DKNY, Giambattista Valli, Narciso Rodriguez, Sophie Theallet, Lanvin.
How to wear it: A candy-colored blouse will instantly update classic pieces.
10. MUSTARD
Left to right: Missoni F/W 2012, The Row F/W 2012, Marc by Marc Jacobs F/W 2012
Mustard: Fashion’s love affair with the 1970s is set to continue into fall with modern takes on mustard, butterscotch and amber hues.
Seen at: Proenza Schouler, Chloe, The Row, Missoni, Gucci, Marc by Marc Jacobs.
How to wear it: The vivid tone lifts understated palettes. Pair it with a palette of browns, greys and crisp whites.
Read more:
Fall fashion trends: Must have trends and looks
10 great hangbags for fall
Fall 2011 hair trends: The side part