The Spring/Summer 2018 runways were a strong indication that millennial pink has a new rival, with designers like Tom Ford, Victoria Beckham, and Michael Kors showing collections with a strong purple focus.

The rise in popularity of shades of purple was forecasted by WGSN last year: "For SS18, purple will be increasingly important and will come to override pink as a key colour," they said.

Traditionally, the colour purple was associated with luxury, passion, and power, and has only featured in small doses on the runway. This season, designers are translating the traditional associations of the colour into pretty and powerful suiting, romantic layering and high impact monochrome looks that made a seriously strong sartorial statement. Luckily, fashion's new favourite colour comes in a variety of shades, making it easier to try for everyone.

Locally, designers at SA Fashion Week recently also featured their take on the lilac trend, with designers Thebe Magugu, Rich Mnisi and Sheila Madge opting for bold lilac separates and prints with strong lilac undertones.

Thebe Magugu (left), Rich Mnisi (middle) and Sheila Madge (right)
Thebe Magugu (left), Rich Mnisi (middle) and Sheila Madge (right)
Image: Getty

5 tips to making lilac work for you: 

1. Try on numerous shades in order to know which shade works with your skin tone and, equally importantly, with the rest of your wardrobe. For lighter skin tones, try a soft lilac, and for darker skin tones, try a soft mauve shade.

2. Take a look at your wardrobe for hints. If you tend to wear vivid colours such as cobalt blue, try a rich lavender shade. If you prefer darker colours such as navy, try a jewel-toned violet.

3. Compliment lilac with items that have a cool blue undertone.

4. Tone down purple with fabrics that have a purple and black print or pair your lilac piece with a black jacket or black jeans.

5. If you're not shy to go full colour, try a full tonal look that incorporates different shades of purple for maximum effect.

© Wanted 2024 - If you would like to reproduce this article please email us.
X