2009 is
awash with the colour of bold brights and lively hues; the
result is to make a dull
gloomy economy seem brighter, even when optimism is low.
Like the sixties, the eighties were littered with large canvases
of the boldest and brightest colours. Then the sombre dark urban
looks of the nineties reduced the fashion colour palette to a
diet of black, navy, camel or taupe. What a relief it was
earlier in this decade to see colour re-emerge and bring back
variety to a woman's wardrobe, lighting her face, enabling her
to make the best of herself.
Whilst some designer opted for soft pastels for Spring 2009
fashion
others, including Sinah Stanic, selected the boldest of vibrant
brights including Fuchsia Red a top colour for Spring Summer
2009. This glorious statement making, asymmetric Sinah Stanic
designer dress is available at Harvey Nichols. See more
bold brights on the main
Spring
2009 Looks page.
My top tip for forward looking outfits in fashion colours for 2009 is to either choose
colour blocking with daring striking hues, or opt for more
subtle monochrome looks of black and white/cream. The monochrome
scheme is the perfect solution to those who will never step out
of their comfort zone of black, faded black and greige.
In all areas of lifestyle products companies produce colour cards for
designers and manufacturers to work with. For 45 years Pantone, has been the worlds
colour authority offering precision colour charts that
mean the same thing to supplier and buyer even if they are
working in different continents.
If you want accuracy with your colours for any industry
requirement, then Pantone is the service that provides a world
recognised system of colour charts. Referencing Pantone
colours will ensure accuracy and consistency when manufacturers
create their commodities. Pantone colour directions are a
reliable guide to the colours we will see in the next year. Left - Pantone's Spring 2009 fashion colour report, available
from the Pantone website. Press information is courtesy of
www.pantone.com/spring2009.
Colour fashions evolve from season to season, and the autumn of 2008 saw blue and purple rise to the
forefront of fashion. Each season, Pantone surveys the designers
of New York Fashion Week to collect feedback on prominent
collection colours, colour inspiration and colour philosophy. Blue
was clearly a winner with both Pantone's Palace Blue and Lavender the hot blue
favourites for 2009.
According to the Pantone Press Release for Spring Colour
2009, blue and purple lead the top 10 hues for spring 2009. The
fashion palette includes pops of vibrant colour which represent
the optimism of new life that comes with the spring season. This
is combined with sophisticated neutrals and a spectrum of fresh
greens.
Pantone list their top 10 spring '09 fashion colours as:
Palace
Blue,
Lavender,
Super Lemon,
Dark Citron,
Vibrant Green,
Lucite
Green,
Salmon Rose,
Fuchsia Red
Rose Dust and Slate Gray
To the eight brights, Pantone add
neutrals Rose Dust and Slate Gray. Neutrals are always necessary
to add contrast and impact to these vivid and stronger colours. Left - The colours of Spring Summer 2009 shown here all in
one garment. Stills Maxi Dress and available from John Lewis
stores.
Above
Right - The colours Pantone favour for Spring 2009.
Purple has been with us for several years, but just as the
seasons change, so the purple
of Fall 08 moves to a lighter softer, more summery hue of lavender blue
in the Spring of 09.
Left - In nature, fresh lavender is at its best in June and
July at the height of summer in the northern hemisphere.
Lavender blue is a colour trend that suits most
nationalities from fairest blonde to darkest brunette.
This colour looks just as great in unsophisticated clothes as
crisp haute couture designer pieces. The tiered sun dress far
right shows several tones of lavender from softest pale lavender
to deeper lavender. It is perfect for lazy days, the beach and
summer relaxing.
Left - Lavender tiered Hippy Sundress £89 and from
Plumo.
Right - Celine
coat dress in the most wonderful true lavender tone.
Multi Colours - Fashion Trends for Spring 2009
One simple but stylish look is a tunic style shift dress,
teamed with colourful tights or dressed down when worn over
jeans this is a versatile choice for any occasion. Who would
not feel oh so girly in this delicate wisp of a dress?
Near Right - Beaded Floral Dress £85 - Asos.com Womenswear
Spring/Summer 2009 Evening Dresses.
Delicate beading covers this dress with one of summer's most
fashionable motifs - the stylized rose. The colours used in this
dress feature
several of the Pantone Spring 2009 hues such as Soft Rose,
Lucite Green, Fuchsia and Lavender. The base fabric appears to be the
neutral Rose Dust colour.
Above Far Right - Observe the detailed section of tambour embroidery beading from
the same evening dress by Asos.com. Both the texture and colour
in this dress create an embellishment of the most pretty and
delicate feminine nature. Asos.com has grown in strength
as customers demand designer goods as well as lower cost
celebrity copy garments.
When I visited asos.com in early
2009 they were offering over 500 different dresses to select
from with prices ranging from £25 to £340, creating a market for
every budget.
Pantone's Rose Dust is not your average beige, and breaks away from the
typical neutral colours associated with spring by adding dimension with
subtle rose undertones.
This rose dust drop waist dress left trimmed with black
fringe is a
typical colour combination for this hue. The dress far left is by Alberta Ferretti and from Harvey Nichols Spring
Summer 2009 Designer Collections.
The high street version near left is from Joy Spring summer
2009 Fashion Collection. Joy have 20 retail units in Britain and
in May 2009 will launch a new website called joythestore.com.
Shoes also get the black trim treatment and this high heeled
pale pink bar court shoe is from Schuh. What a wonderfully
modern update on the traditional bar shoe. It's the colour that
makes it look so very now. Above Right - Schuh Aries Bar Court,
in pale pink £53.62, also available in black fabric.
Schuh
- Spring Summer 2009 Collection - High Heels.
Short cardigans, like the one
right, are ideal for summer. They can be worn buttoned
up as the main event, like a sweater over jeans; alternatively,
they could be added as
a light layer for warmth and cover-up for a cool night.
This ruffle-insert cardigan is a cost cutter
at just £18 and is also from Littlewoods Direct Spring Summer
2009. Rose dust is a wonderful neutral colour that will mix and
match with a wide range of summer outfits.
The high street shops also have pretty clutch bags which go with
this ensemble. I was particularly taken with
a sleek and cute bag featuring reptilian leather grainy looks.
Below left - J by Jasper Conran £25/39 from Designers at
Debenhams Spring/Summer 2009 Women's Accessories.
Centre - Clutch with gold clasp £17 from Littlewoods Direct
Spring Summer 2009 Accessories.
Below Right - The bow purse bag is from Miss Selfridge Spring
Sumer 2009 Accessory Collections.
The yellow-green family is strong in the Pantone Spring 2009
palette. As yellow continues to make its mark on the world of
fashion, tangy Super Lemon brings a fun, optimistic outlook to
the Pantone palette.
Left - This gorgeous cocktail dress was shown
at Dior's fashion show for spring 2009.
The high street soon followed suit and you will find a range
of lemon and yellow dresses to suit your budget. These gorgeous
gowns right are two of the most glamorous short evening dresses,
and they are on offer at affordable prices. All you need
now is a cocktail party to take on the world!
Centre Right - Another perfect take on the super lemon look
with the luxury that only the sheen of satin can give. The
halter neckline is similar to that of the Dior dress left and the bow
is positively statement making! Centre Right - Lustrous Satin
Super Lemon Dress £75 from
Warehouse Spring Summer 2009 Collection.
Above Far Right -
The colour
of this asos.com dress is naturally celeb inspired, and thus is hot on trend, but so is that one
shoulder asymmetric styling and that deep flounced shoulder
frill ruffle and the soft puffball skirt. The Origami Asymmetric
Dress £65 is from www.asos.com Spring Summer 2009 evening
dresses. Origami styling and hoiked* areas in garments
have been a growing
trend the past two seasons. As sleeves and shoulders gain even more volume,
and focal point interest, then this easily becomes a style to buy into now.
Even accessories get the bold statement colour treatment from
the high street. Think bold brights for summer 2009 with a
handbag like this one from Betty Jackson. Look no further than
the Designers at Debenhams collections for catwalk inspired
trendy colours.
Betty Jackson - 'Black' collection handbag in super lemon,
£60/93 and from the Spring/Summer 2009 Women's Accessories Bags
Designers at Debenhams range.
Pantone's Super Lemon merges wonderfully into Dark Citron, and all
the greens that Pantone offer perpetuate the idea of
freshness and renewal.
Read more about Michelle Obama's choice
of this colouration for the President's Inauguration day outfit
on the
2009 Spring Trends Main page.
Pantone's Dark Citron, is a citrus-inspired green, offering an element
of sophistication to the mix of three greens, each with their
own distinct personality.
Above Left - Citron Colours.
Above Centre - Shoes from Asda.
Above Right - Green prom dress with floral detail from TK Maxx from
£24.99/28.48. Spring Summer 09 Dresses at TK Maxx.
Above Left - Principles Spring Summer 2009 - Neutral sheen
boyfriend jacket £89.00/140, Green silk Habotai skirt
£55.00/85, Cream organza blouse £55.00/85, Pewter metallic
snake and stones clutch £32.00/49, Glam large buckle belt
£32.00/49, all from Principles Spring Summer 2009.
Above Right - Grecian maxi asymmetric shoulder dress £55.00 - Per Una
Collection Spring Summer 2009 at Marks &
Spencer.
Left - A clear view of Pantone's Super Lemon, Dark Citron, Vibrant Green and
Lucite Green Tones. More information on these green
Spring 2009 colours is available at
www.pantone.com/spring2009.
Pantone's Vibrant Green, is the quintessential spring hue of
revitalization. And in these occasion garments the spring garden has moved onto
the pieces.
Monsoon Spring/Summer 2009 have captured all the best greens
in their one should asymmetric dress from their Spring 2009 Originals
Collection.
It
is a beautiful blend of all the rich vibrant colours of summer.
Right -
Monsoon Spring/Summer 2009
Originals Lele Greens Cocktail Dress with one shoulder styling - £160/271.
Near Right - Matalan also have this rich green blouse with a
halter neck. Matalan Blouses - Be Beau butterfly & swallow print
top £14 - Spring summer 2009 - Women at Matalan.
Pantone's reflective Lucite Green is a clean, clear more subtle green
tone.
Left - Tropical Palm - Jane Norman Aqua Top - Spring Summer
2009.
Centre Left - Drop Earrings by Dior.
Centre Right - Miss Selfridge Party Dress Spring Summer 2009.
Far Right - March Monsoon Spring/Summer 2009 - Jade Attie Dress
£160/271 (Eire)
Above Centre - Shoe selection from Dune
Spring/Summer 2009- Ladies & Accessories.
Left - Strut £85/115, Centre - Scintillate £85/115, Right -
Sky £90/120. All by Dune.
Coloured shoes have a true 1980s vibe - get yours at stores like
Dune or Mode in Pelle.
But it's not just coloured shoes that have the 1980s colour
edge, fuchsia and all the related nuances of this blued pink is
back with a vengeance.
With its blue undertones, Pantone's cool Fuchsia Red is a
real show-stopper, adding a sense of elegance to the palette. It
is a colour which is perfect for clothing, accessories as well as
lipstick and nail polish selections.
The fuchsia beaded clutch shown right, marries several tones making it
a good bag for mixing and matching against all the many pink versions of
this colour.
Right -
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson £25/39 Spring/Summer 2009
Women's Accessories- bags Debenhams.
Roses and beading feature heavily in Summer 2009 fashion and this
fuchsia bag by DKNY is just one of many rose bags in shops now. Boden also do a lovely textured rose covered bag in several bold
bright colours.
Other accessories where fuchsia is a great pick include
belts, where it will quickly jazz up a neutral outfit, or help tie
together several bright colours. Gladiator sandals a hot style
of last and this year
take on an exotic touch when beaded with fuchsia pink crystals.
Near Right - Linea Gladiator Pink Sandals at House of Fraser.
Far right - Fuchsia DKNY bag at House of Fraser.
Below Right - Jane Norman Leather covered cross keeper buckle
belt, £20 Spring Summer 2009 - Lady Vamp Collection .
Above Right -
Fexton (Pink) Patent Ballerina £45 Spring/Summer 2009 at Moda in Pelle.
Below Left - Marrianne (Pink) - £85 103 Buckle Detail
Gladiator Moda in Pelle Spring/Summer 2009.
Below Centre - New Look Sandals £40 from the New look
Spring/Summer 2009 Collection (Accessories).
Below Right - Shoe by Dior Spring Summer 2009.
Different fabrics, and especially leather materials, each give fuchsia a different look.
Below Far Left - Harvey Nichols - Fuchsia cut out strappy dress by
Galliano.
Below
Centre -
Fuchsia Pink flower print halter neck swimsuit incorporating
many shades of fuchsia, £38 from Linea Womenswear &
Accessories Spring Summer 2009 at House of Fraser.
Below
Far Right -
Jane Norman SS09 Collection Sequin trim oversized dress, £35
Spring Summer 2009 - Lady Vamp.
Salmon
Rose is an enlivening fashion colour for spring 2009, see how
it also conveys an
optimistic outlook. The subtlest of oranges, Salmon Rose is
a very pretty colour, flattering to most complexions and is beautiful with a summer
glow.
Colour blocking is a growing fashion trend, and this short shift dress
far right, blocks three harmonious colours. The result is far less shocking, and
much more wearable than some random-mix, high-contrast paint box versions.
Left - New Look Limited Edition shift dress £35, Spring/Summer 2009
Collection.
Easy cut loose Kaftan style tops are the summer's must-have.
Note how some of the volume is pulled in either at waist or under the
bust creating an empire-line top. Draped off-the-shoulder
sleeves give an eighties touch of styling.
Image right :-
Top Right - Cut out with lace braid top £38/49 from Miss Selfridge Spring
Summer 2009 and featuring the delicious salmon rose.
Centre model wears a similar shaped Kaftan top from Miss Selfridge, but one covered with every
colour of Spring 2009 in a Batik print.
The three other tops are all from Wallis Spring Summer 2009
collection. They show directional lines of the relaxed kimono
and Kaftan silhouette in knitwear and tops, a feminine contrast
to the long lines of boyfriend cardigans and jackets.
Top Left - Patterned Kaftan top - Wallis Spring Summer 09.
Bottom left -Wallis Spring Summer 09 - Metallic fine knit jumper
£45/70.
Bottom right - Exotic Tribal Paisley Beaded Blouse £40/60 -
Wallis Spring Summer 09 Paisley beaded blouse.
Cool Slate Gray is a nuanced neutral with bluish-green
undertones. This neutral is terrific when paired with any of the
other nine colours in the Pantone report. Alternatively, you
could pair with softer
pastels based on dilutions of the colour. It is an expensive looking colour,
but check before you buy it that the colour really lifts your
skin rather than drags it down.
Left - Warehouse Gloss - Dress £45/70, Belt £30/45, Shoes
£75/115.
Near Left - Originals Indria Prom Dress £200/339 Spring/Summer 2009 -
February Monsoon Spring/Summer 2009.
Softer versions of this gray are shown right in the Valentine
outfit available from Harvey Nichols Spring Summer 2009
Collection. Hoik up your skirts girls for the origami ruffle
hoiked skirt
is top trend style for 2009 fashionistas.
Copyright of images courtesy of prshots,
Pantone, Harvey Nichols, Swarovski, Celine,
Aquascutum, Miss Selfridge, Oasis, New Look,
Debenhams, Littlewoods,
Accessorize Monsoon, Matalan,
House of Fraser, Mode in Pelle, John Lewis, Dune, Dior, Jane Norman, Joy,
Plumo, ASOS,
Warehouse, Asda and Matalan.
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My top tip for forward looking outfits in fashion colours for 2009 is to either choose
colour blocking with daring striking hues, or opt for more
subtle monochrome looks of black and white/cream. The monochrome
scheme is the perfect solution to those who will never step out
of their comfort zone of black, faded black and greige.
This ruffle-insert cardigan is a cost cutter
at just £18 and is also from Littlewoods Direct Spring Summer
2009. Rose dust is a wonderful neutral colour that will mix and
match with a wide range of summer outfits. 
The colour
of this asos.com dress is naturally celeb inspired, and thus is hot on trend, but so is that one
shoulder asymmetric styling and that deep flounced shoulder
frill ruffle and the soft puffball skirt. The Origami Asymmetric
Dress £65 is from www.asos.com Spring Summer 2009 evening
dresses. Origami styling and hoiked* areas in garments
have been a growing
trend the past two seasons. As sleeves and shoulders gain even more volume,
and focal point interest, then this easily becomes a style to buy into now.
It
is a beautiful blend of all the rich vibrant colours of summer.
.77027.jpg)
.77151.jpg)
Salmon
Rose is an enlivening fashion colour for spring 2009, see how
it also conveys an
optimistic outlook. The subtlest of oranges, Salmon Rose is
a very pretty colour, flattering to most complexions and is beautiful with a summer
glow.
Cool Slate Gray is a nuanced neutral with bluish-green
undertones. This neutral is terrific when paired with any of the
other nine colours in the Pantone report. Alternatively, you
could pair with softer
pastels based on dilutions of the colour. It is an expensive looking colour,
but check before you buy it that the colour really lifts your
skin rather than drags it down.
Left - Warehouse Gloss - Dress £45/70, Belt £30/45, Shoes
£75/115.
