At first we were a bit underwhelmed when we saw Pantone's 2020 Colour of the Year. It seemed like a safe, boring choice for something that is meant to cause ripples of conversation and Pinterest boards. Isn't cobalt blue in season every year? Its practically navy.

Although, upon some research and commercial consideration - it really does makes sense. 

So, why does it make sense?

It's written on the runway. Thank god honestly, because we were confused. 

This colour pops especially well in textiles rich in reflection, such as silk based blends. It's really important to consider that this is not a new colour to hit the runway. It had it's moment back in 2015, 2017, and then more recently this year in 2019, and it looks like it's here to stay for next year. 

Although after some more research, it looks like their might be some more to the obsession with the hue. 

The Images from the CHANEL Spring 19 Ready To Wear Collection prove that a dusty pastel palette is prominent this season with only one print story, Beach Umbrellas. This collection the key colours are soft, dusty gelato tones, swaying slightly more towards pinks and purples than blues and greens. We can see that Chanel know the warmer months this season will be about channeling vintage Palm Springs vibes, think levels of Slim Aarons captured glamour. 

PRINT STORY: BEACH UMBRELLAS 
I personally like how at a micro scale the Beach Umbrellas in repeat look like a geometric print, and only when you look closer you realise what you are looking at. The umbrellas allude to the poolside glamour that you would expect from a resort or cruise collection, yet, here we are looking at Ready To Wear. I think it is clear that Chanel are aware that beach and poolside vibes are not just for holidays in a 2019 world, many people are living this lifestyle all year long. The conversational that this is, is certainly unexpected, yet still safe, in comparison to prints that make less sense from other high end brands. 

I am excited to see this colour palette have it's moment on core pieces and also extend into mini geometrics for print, as brands begin to channel this look coming into late 2019. 

​Britt x

The latest Fall Couture 18' Catwalk show proved that prints are few and far between for this season. The only print story that was strong for Fall Couture was this Tribal Lines Trend. Brands from Fendi, Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier and Azzaro all are very clearly breathing the same air. Not only is the print direction strong, the colours are alike too. 

We can see that all patterns have tribal and geometric line work elements, with three or five key colours. 

The full Fall Couture 18' Colour Report can be accessed here. In the report you are able to see the colour stories that compliment and back up the above print story. 

​Britt x