Bye Barbie, Hi Red :
This time last year Pierpaolo Piccioli reinvented the colour pink to how we know it today. The bold move towards a pop of colour met minimalism and created a boom in the fashion world, welcoming a whole new time for creativity. Soon after high street stores were creating opportunities for anyone and everyone to feel fierce and sexy in fuchsia. Fast forward a year and we’re saying bye to Barbie, and Hi to Red…
In this year's fashion week, a sea of red walked down the runway with the likes of Stella McCartney and Bottega Veneta showcasing their A/W 2023 creations. Iconically done may I say. Since then a trend of red has taken over, whether you’re in your ‘tomato girl era’ or simply wanting to elevate your sleek minimalistic style, Autumn/Winter 2023 is the time to do it. For those on a fashion budget, Rita Ora X Primark recently launched a pair of firey red heels topped with a rosette (yet another 2023 trend). Anthropology is selling a 'must-have' woven red bag, (they're like gold dust), a perfect Bottega dupe. If you feel like spending to treat yourself, Mui Mui has a pair of sling-back heels in the perfect shade of cherry red... see below:
Photo taken from Pinterest:
As a generation full of beige lovers, we have surprisingly welcomed colour with open arms. Red can make us feel sexy, independent and strong. Whether you’re nipping out locally in your grey tracksuit or off for a meeting in a new blazer suit, adding a pop of red brings confidence and character to an outfit at risk of looking familiar.
Red is an extremely versatile colour, so try experimenting, be bold and wear it with a smile. As me and my mum always say: "Nothing looks silly if you wear it with a smile". Try out different shades and textures, only you can decide whether it's a day for fire engine red or cherry red.
For now, however, as a sad beige 20-year-old, I’m going to start by incorporating red through accessories and in stages. But if you see me in a full red tracksuit, red bag and red trainers, then trust me I’ve mastered the art of being an independent, strong woman. Maybe one day. But for now, I need to go and ask my mum what she’s making for tea...
“I think red is trending as a fall-appropriate version of Barbiecore pink as people are looking to continue experiencing feelings of dominance, power, and enthusiasm in their wardrobe,” says Shakaila Forbes-Bell, a Fashion Psychologist and author of the book Big Dress Energy: How Fashion Psychology Can Transform Your Wardrobe and Your Confidence. “Historically, pink was often viewed as a watered-down version of red, so this tracks.” - Marie Curie article 20/09/2023