THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT–IT’S GROWN-OWN-UP NEON

NEON IS HAPPENING. If you’ve ventured on to the high street recently, or looked online, you’ll know this already, of course – because these highlighter hues are literally impossible to miss. And yet, for such an attention-commanding trend, neons have been something of a slow-burn for IRL wear.

Just a few weeks ago, the ultimate neon champion was Kim Kardashian, who, in the space of a few days, sported acid-green hair, a barely there Barbie pink dress (right) and hi-vis yellow Versace at a Miami wedding (side note: wearing neon to someone else’s nuptials might be the new wearing white – aka the ultimate bride-upstaging faux pas).

Now, however, it seems many women are considering this pow palette. The always-appropriate Olivia Palermo, for example, who was seen wearing an acid-green trim on a tailored white jacket (top). Or actress Alexis Bledel (far right), who disrupted a saccharine blush-pink Delpozo gown with a bold sweep of yellow at this year’s Emmys. Meanwhile, Blake Lively (centre) recently commanded attention in an acid green Versace menswear suit while out in NYC. The rise of understated neons has made us ponder the questions: 1) Can you wear neon in winter? And 2) Can you wear neon if you’re not a raging attention-seeker? The answer to both is an affirmative yes. Peppy accessories are the easiest place to start. Among the street-style set, it’s Prada pieces that are working overtime. (See model Adwoa Aboah in pink satin Miu Miu with Prada flame-appliqué heels at fashion week, right.) ‘I definitely credit Miuccia Prada for bringing it back. The fashion crowd has all bought into her neon nylon in some shape or form. We’ve seen her bright pouches and Neon Dream wedges sell incredibly well for us,’ says Elizabeth von der Goltz, the global buying director at Net-a-porter. ‘ They are the perfect “pop” to all the beautiful neutrals that we are seeing currently. Les Rêveries’ neon-yellow turtleneck under any camel suit, and the new Wandler bags

in bright neon or with neon trim are the perfect fun addition to any look.’ Think of them like fashion central heating – a blast of a hi-vis shade is the easiest way to add a little heat to cool winter hues.

‘ There’s no reason neon can’t be sophisticated,’ agrees Isa Arfen’s Serafina Sama. ‘But what you wear it with is essential – it’s all in the mix. I am a big fan of highlighter pink with tobacco.’ According to Serafina, cut and fabric are also key. ‘Ladylike silhouettes are essential, and luxe, natural-feel farbics work best.’ So, instead of going for second-skin cuts in shiny materials, opt for generous proportions and tactile textures, like languid silks and super-soft knits.

The trend shows no sign of slowing down, with fluoros all over the spring/ summer 2019 catwalks: a flash of zingy yellow pants under a sheer floral dress at Dries Van Noten; lurid green roll necks under natty skirt-suits at Rejina Pyo; colour-block dresses like a pencil case of highlighters at Prabal Gurung; and acidic tie-dyes at Prada – all perfect examples of the wearable, thoughtful brands tapping into the trend. Resistance, it seems, is futile.