Spring / Summer ´16 Trends - The Future Is Orange

Orange may not be the only fruit, but as a bold and fearless colour it is the only accessory you need. Thanks to Pantone´s new colour chart, this tangerine tone is now one of the brightest aspects for any seasonal fashion lover’s wardrobe.

With the eminently awaited spring season just around the corner, thoughts turn to ´days getting longer and colours stronger´ with their warm breezes and high levels of energy that precede winter. Heavy, fixed fabrics make way for lightweight textiles and flowing silhouettes which help to add a new seasonal liveliness to any wardrobe.

Industry gods and creators of colour, Pantone, have added over 210 new shades to their official charts this month, which feature many key looks in orange. Once avoided for its conflicting co-ordination, this strong colour is not always the easiest to pull off. It requires a fair amount of confidence, a hint of inspiration and plenty of attitude. For 2016, this hue has now been given price of place by the colour trending council which showcased to the world energetic shades such as Aura Orange, Mango Mojito and Dragon Fire which aim to turn the red carpet into a citrus heaven.

“There is certain exoticness with orange and many other cultures are now embracing the shades of orange, we are so much more attuned to other cultures that embrace colour”- Leatrice Eiseman (Executive Director Pantone Colour Institute)

From tantalising tangerine to trendy terracotta and punchy pumpkin, one of the biggest spring 2016 colour trends puts this tincture centre stage. Cumin flared oranges at Celine and Bottega Veneta sit beside the famous classic-orange offerings of Hermes in their trademark colour. Louis Vuitton´s Seafolly beachwear and Christian Dior´s outwear also join this trend with their re-take on Halloween´s hallowed pumpkin. Even on the high street, there’s tones-a-plenty from leaders such as Cos, Topshop and Whistles highlighting that people are wearing the colour off the catwalks (with a recent search on Asos bringing up nearly 1,200 orange items.)

Bright yellow also makes an anything but low-key appearance in this citrus celebration with inches of style files suggesting that the best pairing for this key colour is an equally vivid lemony one when the idea is to accent a clean and minimal silhouette which is in swing with so many fashion houses.

So far, international fashion trends and a love affair with the 70´s (thanks to Gucci and Moschino´s latest collections) have made these warm, comforting hues that were once the family favourite for suburban interiors, ignite the fashion industry from catwalk to side walk. Whatever your view on this latest trend, one thing´s for sure; the future´s bright, the future´s orange.