trends: citrus hues for s/s12

Word by Sarah Wade, MPDClick’s Managing Editor.

Finally, a selection of spring/summer collections that place bright, bold colour at the forefront of collections. With just Paris Fashion Week left to complete, the s/s 12 season so far has seen a wealth of citrus hues storm the catwalks and spark rapturous applause from the front rows.

New York Fashion Week first kicked off the ready-to-wear season with an abundance of bright orange. While editors and enthusiasts commented on the welcome return of some vivid colour, a muted yolky yellow was hot on its heels. While orange tones were almost neon, accentuated by playful differing fabrics, in NYC yellows were seen in frosted tones with print and pattern applications being key.

Displaying a few dirtied variations on the colours, London too was awash with yellow and orange. While sophisticated labels such as Acne and Burberry took things on a more transitional route with burnt spice and mustard respectively, the likes of Nicole Farhi and Mark Fast played up with warm shades used on quirky shapes.

By the time the industry made it to Milan, citrus hues had emerged as s/s 12′s hottest colour trend. Milan’s designers covered yet more ends of the spectrum, from tomato red to chilli pepper and courgette flower (literally at Dolce and Gabbana) to sulphur. Block colour completed with vibrant prints and lace overlays – collections either sporty and minimal or seasonally decorative.

Stay tuned to the Trend Journal to see if Paris follows suit. View the full collections for spring/summer 12 here.

Derek Lam and Calvin Klein at New York Fashion Week.

Acne and Mark Fast at London Fashion Week.

Alberta Ferretti and Dolce & Gabbana at Milan Fashion Week.