Hot like wildfire Red is heating up the fashion scene in all its fiery splendour writes Gerry Cupido
CHRISTIAN Dior once said: “bright reds – scarlet, pillar-box red, crimson or cherry – are very cheerful and youthful”. “There is certainly a red for everyone”. For some this vibrant colour evokes feelings of anger and danger while to others it presents love and passion.
No matter what way you look at it, red is a striking colour, powerful and sexy. Red is feminine, regal and fierce.
Red is currently dominating the local and international runways with emphasis on bold bright tones in fabrics varying from flowing sheers to structured leathers.
From ready-to-wear to evening wear, the colour red is popping up everywhere and is rapidly spreading like a wildfire.
Whether you want to own the boardroom in a red power suit or turn heads in a cheeky red dress, here’s how to rock red this season:
Head to toe: For the daring fashionista who wants to fully embrace this trend then wearing red head to toe is the way to go. Have a few red items in your wardrobe? Now is a good time to wear all of them in one outfit! It doesn’t mean you have to wear one shade throughout. So mix it up with different shades and tones of reds.
Top or bottom? Ease into the trend by focusing on either tops or bottoms. Something as simple as a basic red T-shirt worn with a pair of jeans can make a bold statement. A ruffled shirt worn with a neutral tailored pants makes for a stylish combination. Draw attention to your bottom by opting for red pants or skirts. For a modern sleek look wear a red skirt or pants with a crisp white T-shirt, denim jacket and white sneakers.
Play with print: Solid blocks of red can be intense so play with prints for a more subtle use of the colour. Florals are an obvious choice but you might want to look out for nautical stripes, graphic and tribal prints as well as tartan.
Mix it up: Red is quite a dominant colour but it doesn’t mean you can’t mix it up with other solids. One of the hottest colour combinations at the moment is red and pink. A no-no in the past but a definite yes right now. Wear your favourite red item with just about any shade of pink. Be bold and wear it with bright fuschia or opt for a pastel pink for a more feminine look. Wear red with orange for a citrus twist or red, orange AND pink for a fiery sunset look. ACCENTUATE: The trend by wearing one red garment.
Rock chic: Nothing says sexy rock chic more than leather. Combine leather and red for an edgy look. Throw a black leather jacket over a red dress or T-shirt for an instant upgrade to rock status.
A red leather jacket or pants is the ultimate statement piece.
Accessorise: Sometimes just a hint of red is all you need to spice up an outfit. You can be completely bare faced but the second you add red lipstick you’re instantly transformed.
The same applies to an outfit. This colour trend might not be for everyone but a simple red sling bag or strappy heel is an easy way to make a statement.
A pair of bold red earrings or statement neck piece will bring a touch of heat to a neutral outfit.
Red framed sunglasses are a must have if you want to rock this look.