Fashion colour inspiration
View fashion colour palettes from Apparel magazine combining the latest fashion from the catwalk with paint colours from Resene.
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Spicy season
An exotic adventure of grand couture, a new
flavour, a new taste. The Spices of the souk can change a look into an ethnic parade of glamorous natural hues. From turmeric to cinnamon,
cayenne to cardamom, the Middle East has it covered with colour trends coming from the hyper natural spices found at a souk... more
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Emerald cuts
A change is in the air for 2013, after last year’s fiery tones of tangerine and pink. This year emerald green is on the fashion cards and a popular hue with the SS14 collections. The jewel-rich tone, although less intimidating than previous year’s shades, there is no stopping celebrities and top designers from incorporating the hue as a wardrobe staple for 2013. Enhancing our sense of well-being, this vivid, leafy green inspires insight and promotes balance and harmony. Associated with the precious gemstones, Emerald could be defined as sophisticated and luxurious… more |
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It's vintage darling
Hailing from another era, vintage clothing is still hanging in the wings
of wardrobes around the globe reflecting the politics, culture and art
of another time. This year's catwalks saw the regeneration of
retrospective fashion of the 1950s, the "perma-trend" is here to stay.
But rest assured, these retro influenced garments have not seen better
days and have been adapted with fresh, crisp spring/summers in mind, a
convenient alternative to an older style with the modern interpretation.
Of late, there has also been an increase in the awareness of
environmental sustainability that has changed the habits of many by
reducing, reusing and recycling old garments and revamping them into
stylish, on trend... more |
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Summer blues
Blue is the hot new colour this season with hues ranging from stark
cobalt to crepuscular shades. The great thing about any blue is that it
complements any skin tone, so you don't need to go to Hawaii for a
holiday before wearing it. Although better suited to black than navy,
blues can be paired with neutrals or bright block shades. Metallic acts
as the best counter colour, especially to the bright blues. Seen at
Burberry Prorsum, iconic British luxury brand since 1856, incorporating
both metallic and the blue into their renowned trench coat, bringing the classic beige trench up to par... more |
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Buckle up
Once an article of utility, belts have now become known to most as a fashionable accessory statement. Belts packed with tools were handy to every carpenter and have had a strong presence in menswear since the Bronze Age. Womenswear has seen belts come and go, and only in the last few decades has become a fashion staple. Dream interpreters claim that a belt symbolises power especially a rather ornate one... more |
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Clash of the tartans
They say that in life you will never be further than six metres from a
spider, and they also say that in London you will never be more than ten
metres from a rat. These days it seems you will never be more than
twenty metres from a plaid or tartan shirt. Farmers wearing them to
work, teeny-boppers wearing them with belts cinched at the waist teamed
with leggings, it is a well known fact that the tartan trend will never
go out of style. Minimum fashion thought for maximum colour and pattern
injections into your wardrobe... more |
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Powder puff
For Spring/Summer 2013, the colour spectrum couldn't be at further ends
from one another. On one side of the coin there is the in-your-face neon
brights and on the other, a colour, much more lightweight, subtle and
sweet - pastels. Ever-present colour blocking trends have taken a sharp
turn into the shades of pastel. When it comes to putting together a
pastel outfit, hues of mint green, cotton candy pink and daffodil
yellows 'spring' to mind... more |
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Dear Navy, with compliments - Raspberry
Rarely seen as unfashionable, the classic navy is a wardrobe resident
that adds crisp, clean lines and understated chic. According to Pauline
Western Thomas's article "Navy and White Nautical Fashion Trends" from
Fashionera, "dark navy has an authoritarian look which instantly marks
the wearer out as well-groomed". Sky blue, baby blue, navy, ask anyone what their
favourite colour is and a clear majority will say blue, so there is no
doubting that the hue is no longer semi-permanent. Lending itself
perfectly to the nautical trend in the guise of stripes, navy is the
exotic sibling to the traditional black... more |
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That 70s
The last time fashion saw Bordeaux and Bottle together in the same
collection was back in the early 70s. Earthy tones of garnet, ruby and
rust reflects an autumn in Europe, whilst the deep sea and lush
Amazonian greens echo soft calming elements. Burgundy red and burnt
orange colours offer a native and natural quality contrasting with the
rich verdant textures of the bottle greens. Gucci and Burberry have both
been seen to literally 'tone-down' the pop colours we saw in spring...
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Bold moves
Autumn/Winter 2012-2013 looks cheerful and promising with the entire colour spectrum. Almost every collection had a vast array of bold
colours from pink and orange to green and red. Confident colours were turned into an epidemic in Paris in March, granted there were the
classic black and white shades that are seen throughout the year. Heavy upholstery type fabrics were used among collections which gave an
appropriate balance to the glitter and space-age metallic's that were also showcased... more |
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Desert sand
Cool tones of ghost whites, mixed with nut-browns and a splash of colour
are resounding colour palettes. The impact of colour can be seen in
several forms of colour associations, where colour can be seen as either
a symbol or a sign. While China's colour of good luck is red, red is
also used to communicate visually, for example stop signs are red.
Neutral tones and cream hues with the additive of black create feelings
of sophisticated glamour with hints of
simplicity and earthiness, leaving the cold winter at the door. Black is
back for yet another season, I know, I know, "how cutting edge", you
say? But these sleek creations with pops of cobalt blues and stark reds
who could be bored this winter?... more |
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Agent orange
Bright, bold shades of orange inject energy and vitality into Pre-Fall collections. Designers take note: the Pantone Colour Institute, the global authority on colour, has named the reddish-orange hue Tangerine Tango its colour of the year for 2012. The vivacious shade, described by Pantone executive director Leatrice Eiseman as “hopeful and optimistic”, takes the crown from 2011’s Honeysuckle, a sweet, flirtatious pink. The company has long aligned its colour of the year with the zeitgeist, and 2012’s pick is no exception: Tangerine Tango was chosen to provide “the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward” from recent troubling times... more |
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Freshly minted
An array of peppermint hues spread their cooling influence over the Spring/Summer runways. Resurrection, regeneration, renewal - with so
many positive connotations, it's no wonder that green is a standout colour for spring. Spring/Summer 2012's must-have green is a continuation of the sorbet hues that have been dominating the runways in recent months. The new season's peppermint hues are cool, fresh and
appear in a range of intensities. From a barely-there minted cream... more |
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Walking on sunshine
Spring 2012 collections burst onto the scene in a riot of bright sunbeam
shades, with cheery yellows bringing warmth and light to the runways.
From creamy vanilla shades to socket-searing citrus, yellow featured
strongly in dozens of northern hemisphere designers' ranges in both
blocks of colour and floral prints. "Florals - for spring? How
groundbreaking," sneered acidic editor Miranda Priestley in 2006 film
The Devil Wears Prada. But these weren't
your ordinary florals: Rodarte's Van Gogh-inspired sunflowers were moody
and ethereal, while Proenza Schouler's amber-and-orange renditions were
slightly retro-inspired... more |
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Icecream dream
A swirl of sorbet hues makes its mark on Spring 2012 collections. Breezy pastels strike a note for spring, with cool icecream colours spread generously. Tart yellow, lollipop pink and creamy peach were designer favourites, complemented by cool blue and mint shades which were light and bright, but never clinical. The look had all the traditional trappings of femininity. Sherbet-tinged organza and chiffon added to the weightless feel for collections that were the height of springtime leisure... more |
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Blue lady
Blue is back for Winter 2012, with designers from New York to Milan
incorporating the soothing shade into their collections. Denoting calm
and clarity, blue is a perennial favourite of many designers. For
Winter tones are less ocean-inspired than Summer collections, leaning
more towards the crisp ice blue of a glacier, bright lapis lazuli shades
and rich royal hues. Northern Hemisphere designers paired deep blues
with chocolate and mustard or that other perennial favourite, black -
and for a more dynamic look, bright blues next to graphic white and
citrus orange to great effect... more |
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Hail to the reef
The warm, fresh pinks and oranges of a coral reef suggest a tropical holiday, full of sun and sand. Coral gemstones are said to have healing qualities, enhance feelings of calm and ward off fears and tensions. In many cultures coral is worn as a talisman to protect the wearer against evil spirits. Northern hemisphere designers have harnessed the uplifting powers of coral... more |
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Kyoto fall
The Japanese word for autumn leaves is 'koyo', and for next year the
vibrant orange and yellows that have tourists flocking to Kyoto's koyo
hotspots are the same hues brightening up designers' autumn/winter
collections. Energetic reds and browns, warm, vivacious hues continue to
make their mark. The trend is toward cheery poppy yellows, the zingy
scarlet of Japanese maple leaves, and oranges ranging in tone from
creamy peach
to fire-bright... more |
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Red storm rising
Nature in revolt and chaos is a splendid, blood-pumping spectacle and menswear for autumn/winter 2012 gets an injection of heat and vitality, with shades of red from crimson to mahogany making their mark next season. Red is a hue that packs a walloping punch – associated with blood, fire and revolution, it’s a look that’s not for the fainthearted. Eye-catching and majestic, red is a colour that denotes power and prestige... more |
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The light fantastic
It's not the Marie Antoinette of history, but more of Sophia Coppola's
cinematic feast that captures the spirit and zest of a woman who was
larger than life and of a fashion palette that lives on. Powdery pales
dust the northern hemisphere's Autumn runways, bringing tenderness and
tranquillity to crisp tailoring and luxe fabrics. Subtle and serene,
icing sugar tints make their appearance for next year's rainy season,
injecting cold, blustery days with sweetness and whimsy. Smatterings of
lilac and peach, dove grey and tea green infiltrate. From misty green to
mushroom pink, these ethereal hues lend a soft pop of light to a variety
of fabrics for a look that certainly doesn't pale in comparison... more |
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La Dolce Vita
La Dolce Vita (1960) was shot in black and white, but everyone knows that when you close your eyes, a Fellini universe burns with the electricity and vibrancy of an eternal Italian autumn. The sweet, hedonistic and romantic spirit of that age lives on, evoked by the season’s palette of acid yellows, turquoise and frenetic orange hues. Passionate, full-bodied colours make a strong impact for next autumn, with Northern Hemisphere collections showcasing a hearty mixture of blues, greens, pinks, yellows and oranges. The message seems to be that the bolder, the better – think retina-searing bursts of citrus, bright pops of aquamarine and sensual, opulent purple… more |
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The Orient excess
An oriental colour palette consisting of a pre-requisite scarlet red is set to turn heads next season, enhanced by jade greens and mandarin tinged yellows. Harnessing the exotic and mystique of the East, designers such Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler cleverly mixed ethnic inspired prints with textural elements, reinforced by a strong colour palette of bold red, mandarin yellow and deep turquoise. Ralph Lauren’s ode to the orient… more |
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Newport Orange County
It's nautical with a twist, as we take to the sun, sand and sails of
California - the golden state. Nautical staples such as navy, white and
red are accented by this season's brightest of brights. Casual luxe
fabrics are complemented by traditional nautical colours of red, white
and navy with a hit of sunburst orange and yellow. Sailing regalia such
as flags and early Nautica campaigns also highlight these key tones,
finding inspiration in the seaside pastimes of more affluent areas such
as Newport, Orange County in California... more |
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Hunters and gatherers
Mother Nature inspires for Summer 2011/2012 with a dusky palette inspired by all things natural from clay browns to gold wheat tones. An extension from this summer’s obviously organic palette of beige, nude, light olive and white, next summer will highlight tea stained tones and flaxen coloured fabrics for a look that’s time worn and timeless. Earthy neutrals make a subtle and serene statement signifying a colour palette inspired by untreated and undyed fabrics and textures. The moral of the story here is the more organic looking the better... more |
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That 70s show
Popular colours of 70s suburbia have infiltrated the northern hemispheres Spring 2011 runways, making an impact on modern silhouettes and fabrics. From the distinctive orange of classic Penguin book covers to kitsch German and Belgian ceramics peppered in unusual tones, key colours of pistachio, mustard, cactus green, marigold, taupe and brown made their way on to almost every household item, artwork and furniture of the 60s and 70s. Tupperware and fondue sets came in a myriad of castaway colours and coffee coloured wooden furniture framed the décor of many homes of the time… more |
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Club Tropicana
Hedonistic summer nights and a bright optimism sparks for next summer as
indicated by the recent Northern Hemisphere Spring 2011 collections.
Wham! Pretty much summed it up with their 1983 hit Club Tropicana when
they describe an ideal summer getaway: Fun and sunshine - there's enough
for everyone, and for next summer, bright block colours make an impact
after fashion's current obsession with all things minimal and monochromatic... more |
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The life aquatic
'Bluey-green' is a term so often thrown about when you can't decide whether a colour is more teal than turquoise. However the Fall collections saw a hybrid of both colours on the runway, creating a spectacular display of underwater world effects and maritime adventures... more |
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So fresh, so clean
The 2010 season heralded in a minimalist wardrobe. Popular minimalist colours of beige, cream and grey also make way for a new take on ‘clean’ with designs that are pared back and pastel, giving a refreshing and invigorating boost to winter’s traditionally somber tones… more |
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Hunting season
Menswear for Winter 2011 gets a subtle dose of colour with earthy tones
inspired by hunting attire from olive greens, deep burgundy, subtle
shades of brown and pistachio - all making their mark next season.
Traditional English style hunting has not only filtered its way into
menswear for the fall 2010 collections, but its subtle pops of organic
colours have formed the palette of many collections seen so far... more |
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The Midas touch
Luxe appeal is back. As a highly sought after precious metal, the colour gold needs no introduction. A signifier of wealth and quality, gold has been used in the arts from the gold artifacts found in the Balkans in the 4th millennium BC to the iconic Egyptian hieroglyphs. For Winter 2011 the colour makes a fierce return with tonal golds accented by warm browns and rustic greens. It’s a colour that also signifies success, because everyone knows gold always comes first... more |
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Purple reign
Purple has become a perennial favourite for the winter season, reinventing itself from a majestic classic to a popular pastel. A purple palette has the best of both worlds by combing radical reds to balmy blues, and for next winter it’s here to stay with a myriad of tones to delight and inspire… more |
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Pretty in pink
From pastel palettes to purple tones, pink is a colour that evokes feminine wiles. From cute to seductive, pink has been utilised in winter collections for 2010 from designers such as Donna Kara, Phillip Lim 3.1 and Charles Anastase. From fuchsia inspired tones to dusky shades, designers injected small amounts of pink to complement key colours, or to simply add a sense of feminine frivolity in the mix... more |
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Fire and spice
Winter need not be the season of cold discontent, judging by the fiery colour palette that has sizzled its way onto the Fall runways of late. Traditionally the domain of a more somber colour palette, this season highlights colours that have warming properties from salsa reds to spicy tangerines. Bronzed goddesses collide with sun kissed sirens for a look and feel that will heat up those concrete coloured days ahead… more |
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Obviously organic
The Spring runways were awash with a new lease on modern, elegant and understated dressing aided by a refreshing and simplified colour palette of limpid colours that aer semi-transparent and iridescent. Let’s herald in the new decade with a clean slate. Easy, light and luminous, the new spring pastels take their cues from monochromatic tones and natural palettes… more |
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Cool operators
A summer favorite, evoking clear summers skies and aquatic adventures, Spring is set to highlight the blues palette as a strong feature next Spring Summer. The beauty of blue tones is that it reflects heat and is a visually appealing colour for those hot summer months. The feeling is cool, dominated by blues with additions of pale greens and soft putty hues for a complete look. Blues are softened and diluted, moving away from strong nautical influenced shades to hues reflecting the freshwater aquatic.… more |
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