As we reach the end of another busy Spring/Summer fashion month (encompassing New York, London, Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks), we can’t help but look back at the invisible string that tied them all together.
This year, it was a colour, rather than style, that stole the show on runways across the month, and that was red.
May we never forget Schiaparelli’s iconic red midi dress, embellished with what looks like thousands of red faux nails, which Kendall Jenner modelled for all to see.
That was just one look amongst many, that saw red (and to a lesser extent burgundy) championed by creative directors far and wide.
Why Is Red Trending For Fashion Week?
There are a lot of reasons why red was seen so often on models as they paraded the latest looks for the FROW, but there’s no denying that the colour is a powerful one, one that catches the eye, asserts itself and says ‘hello’.
One school of thought behind the red trend is that womenswear designers are deliberately delivering boldness by emblazoning their their models with the eye-catching colour. That in the year of the Barbie movie, the Women’s World Cup and Taylor Swift5’s world domination, it was time that womenswear also covered itself in that power (represented by the colour red).
It’s maximalist, it’s bold and unashamed, just as we intend to be.
This is something that was definitely seen on Sarah Burton’s final collection as Creative Director of Alexander McQueen. The house is known for it’s love of red and roses and this was thoughtfully inbuilt into this year’s collection.
Burton did not mince her words when it came to the show notes.
“This collection is inspired by female anatomy, Queen Elizabeth I, the blood red rose, and Magdalena Abakanowicz, a transgressive and powerfully creative artist who refused to ever compromise her vision. This show is dedicated to the memory Lee Alexander McQueen, whose wish was always to empower women, and to the passion, talent, and loyalty of my team.”
One particular look caught eyes, that looked particularly like a vulva.
It’s also interesting that Schiaparelli used red for the colour of the faux nails on Jenner’s dress, filed to a point, a talon, a weapon. A sign of strength. Even the way she walked in it emanated power.
In terms of the designers that are championing red, we’ve seen the colour included in Australian designer’s collections: Christopher Esber and Zimmerman.
We also saw it in the Loewe, Balmain, Balenciaga and Gucci shows – alongside a slew of others that included what we’re calling ‘a pop of red’ – either in the shoes, the bags or other accessories.
So, how can you get more red in your life? We’ve pulled together some key red accessories and clothes that can help you pull off this look.
The Best Red Clothes And Accessories For Spring/Summer
OW Collection Chiara Top, $130, REVOLVE
Coach Bandit Shoulder Bag In Bold Red, $696.50, David Jones
Shona Joy Irena Oversized Blazer In Roma Red, $360, Shona Joy
Rebecca Vallance Scarlett Chain Midi Dress, $699, Rebecca Vallance
Jacquemus Le Bisou Ceinture Patent Leather Shoulder Bag, $1060, Net-A-Porter
Mossman Bare Minimum Pants, $259, The Iconic
Aje Anima Ruched Mini Dress, $525, Aje
