I’m probably not the only one who has noticed that since we’ve emerged from our pandemic lairs, vibrant colours have been all the rage—both in home decor and fashion. It’s as if after two grey years, we all need to shake ourselves up in every way possible. And why not do that by choosing shades that invigorate our moods as well as our complexions?

Think, for example, of the hyper-electric pink that we’re seeing everywhere right now (including on this issue’s cover). Valentino’s artistic director, Pierpaolo Piccioli, made it the main theme of his fall/winter 2022/2023 show, and it will be added to Pantone’s official colour scale as “Pink PP” in honour of the Italian luxury house. This hard-to-miss shade has been seen at all the big events lately, from the Met Gala to the Grammy Awards, and worn by everyone from Zendaya to Glenn Close. And its ubiquity is heartening.

 

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Pablo Picasso once said, “Colours, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.” In 2021, during the height of the pandemic, Pantone chose “Ultimate Gray” as one of its two colours of the year, so it makes sense that as we enter a bolder, more hopeful era, we’re embracing brighter hues. In the realms of both fashion and interior design, colour can strongly affect our sensibilities and moods. According to the psychology of colours, warm shades—especially pinks—stimulate exciting emotions. Can one wear hot pink from head to toe and also be full of gloom? Probably, but it must be a lot harder to pull off.

While I know we won’t solve the world’s problems with a Pink PP dress, if a fuchsia sweater can infuse a little positive energy into your day, then why not wear it? As someone whose wardrobe is full of black, I am going to try to change things up this season with some colourful pieces that will help me say to the universe “Give me what you’ve got—I’m ready for you.”

Brent Goldsmith