We really should have seen it coming. Fashion has always been a vehicle to reflect and respond to extreme changes in politics, society and the economy, so what better colour to sum up the current mood than bright red? It’s synonymous with passion, danger, energy, anger… and someone needed to rescue its reputation from association with Donald Trump and his infamous wide sticky-taped satin tie.
Designers are championing the colour for next season and savvy celebrities and street style pros are already staking their claim to the fiery, look-at-me scarlet hue. Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid and Sienna Miller all opted for head-to-toe fire engine-red looks during Paris Fashion Week.
In Italy, Giorgio Armani was among several designers to use the high-impact colour liberally, in both his Armani and Emporio Armani womenswear collections, while the message Fendi sent with its thigh-high patent stiletto boots was clear: this woman will be seen.
The colour trend is a rallying cry to women to show their power and strength; an urge to resist passivity. While New York designers used stunts or slogans to demonstrate their displeasure under Trump’s rule, the mood shifted in a more refined direction as Fashion Week progressed. Collars crept higher, outerwear got sturdier and oversizing was everywhere. Molly Goddard gave us fantasy frilly frocks in a show of defiant femininity. Rick Owens intellectualised with abstract protest clothing and interpretations of civilisation. Balmain and Alexander McQueen explored a warrior theme in cuts and detail. But it’s that jolt of defiant red that condensed the theme: be loud, be proud, be empowered.
Here’s our pick of red hot clothes and accents to invigorate your wardrobe...
Vinyl Jamie jeans
£55, Topshop
Strathberry backpack
£475, Strathberry
Silk touch midi skirt
£29.90, Uniqlo
Newgate clocks corgi watch
£94.50, Amara
Kalita Fonteyn and the Slipper Apron silk-blend dress
£445, Matches
Pleat lace jersey v neck dress
£85, French Connection
Malbec sock boots
£79, Topshop
Textured flounce top
£19.99, Lindex
Hebe Girlfriend palazzo pants
£179, Wolf & Badger
Mon Purse monogrammed grainy leather iPhone 6 Plus case
£45, Mon Purse
Adidas Originals Superstar glossy toe trainers
£59.50, Very
Cold shoulder top
£139, ba&sh
Suede fringe jacket
£440, Replay
Silk blouse
£145, Oui
J'Adore cape blazer
£350, Daivor (available April)
Christian Louboutin Pigalle Follies 100 patent stilettos
£440, Fashionette
Nappa leather biker jacket
£329, Madeleine
Oversize parka
£65, Monki (available April)
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