What does red do for you? Does it suggest danger and revolution, luxury and brashness, or cosy Christmases, London buses, and British postboxes? Or do you find it too hot to handle? Well, you’d better get used to it, because we can tell you that it’s trending big time for autumn 2014.
From the runway to the red carpet, models and celebrities are rocking this trend. Christina Hendricks complemented her rich auburn tresses with a crimson Marchesa number for the Emmys, while fellow Mad Men star January Jones offset her fair hair with a scarlet A-line dress by America’s Prabal Gurung.
This colour has run and run over the years. After post-war austerity, the sixties delivered fashion in glorious technicolour, via Yves St Laurent’s Mondrian dress, futuristic designs from André Courrèges and Pierre Cardin, and Elio Fiorucci’s red “love boot” galoshes. But it’s not just about retro. Today, talents such as Issey Miyake continue to embrace it, with Valentino bringing out a line called R.E.D. and Viktor & Rolf producing a stunning haute couture collection entirely in red.
Forget derogatory expressions that involve painting the town, anger and being on alert – nowadays it’s more lady in red than scarlet woman, anyway – and be advised that this mood enhancer is actually assertive but warm, and is considered lucky in China.
If the idea still knocks you out a bit, start with accessories. A red bag will define your black winter coat, or bring monochrome to life, and ditto with shoes. Every girl can rock a nice shiny pair of heels! Throw a scarf across your oversized sweater, or pull on a bright beanie above your fuzzy jumper.
Once you’re good to go for a total look – and you will be, we promise – keep any extras to a minimum, but don’t be afraid of contrasts. Orange, pink, purple, and even blue, will get you noticed. Wear it in textures from chiffon to brocade and wool, and incorporate into prints and tartans. Be a sophisticate in gorgeous red lace, or stay demure in soft angora.
Gold as an ingredient strengthens red glass, and it’s a natural with clothing, too, either as braiding or as statement jewellery. To be completely different, choose chunky plastic instead. Maybe red’s not for everyone, but we hoped we’ve convinced any cautious souls out there. Try it – autumn trees are rocking the look at the moment, anyway!
The featured photo was shot by Collage Vintage Milan Fashion Week. It is all about the red jumper. The IT colour for Autumn 2014
Red Trend: Negin Mirsalehi is wearing a red roll-neck dress
Jessica R. is wearing a red coat from Zara
Angelica Blick is wearing a red long coat from Zara in November 2014
Wendy Nguyen in her red skirt and crop top
It is the red skirt from Chicwish that does it, isn’t it? Via Alexandra Pereira
Autumns party colour is red… Blair Eadie shows us the way. Skirt and top from H&M and the shoes are from Valentino
Wendy Nguyen is wearing a red blazer from Joseph
