Amidst the unabashed tidal wave of muted tones, pastel blushes and taupe hues which have asserted their domination over the Spring/ Summer 2010 palette, a spark of fiery rebellion appears to be catching alight.

For whether espousing bold scarlet statements or more subtle touches of blood crimson, the presence of dramatic colour is being re- introduced to the mainstream via it’s incorporation into this seasons shows by a number of  fashion’s most elite design houses.


And perhaps it is the most apt way to provoke and procure attention in these times of whimsical feminity and mildly flirtatious flesh shades. It’s lineage proves its ability to ensnare and entice – connotations of betrayal and assimilation with pleasures of the flesh stretch back to Old Testament times- Original Sin was the product of Eve’s tasting of the red fruit, and led to man’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Inextricably linked with lust, passion and murderous rage, it is notably the hue which encapsulates and conjures the most sensual and physical of thought s and actions.

Chanel

Whether hijacking an otherwise understated collection in the form of a single blood- red outfit (as seen at Chanel) or infusing with a similarly attention- grabbing animal print at Dolce and Gabbana, this trend is an unrepentant statement of sensuality. 

Marni

Marni showcased a floral tunic teamed with a latte toned bag and schoolgirl- esque long socks which avoided the trap of overtly sexual fusing with vulgar, whilst Lanvin embraced the trend in all it’s entirety with matching heels, over sized quiffs and alluring smoky eyes.

Christian Dior

The designs at Christian Dior similarly rushed headlong into shocking visions of red- an amalgamation of clinging and sheer fabrics (the latter exposing black lace undergarments) melted with crimson lips and contrived curls, with slightly less overt versions of the red dress being shown at Ellie Saab. Here, a concession to floaty fabrics remained, with dainty bursts of material around the hemline. Further downwards, leg lengthening beige shoes proved a flattering alternative to an outfit amassed completely of the single shade, and severe hair styles counter- balanced the girly ruffles. The trend was also seen to translate to work- wear- Phillip Lim demonstrated the use of red as a tool with which to assert one’s strength and independence  in the form of a deep- V blazer and matching loose trousers, finished with a defiant red heel.

Donna Karan

Donna Karan too showcased a trouser suit appropriate for the 9- 5, with the East perhaps being the inspiration for this kimono styled outfit. Proving that not all reds need to be of the most extreme variety was Roland Mouret, whom along with Jean- Paul Gaultier opted for a brighter, more tangerine shade, which for certain skin tones may be a more forgiving option.


Evidently, red  from top- to- toe or even in the form of a single item of clothing is a vision for the confident and daring. For those reluctant to draw the inevitable attention masses of this shade brings, try a singular flash of colour in the form  of an accessory: clutches at Versus sported chainmail detailing, whilst patent shoes at D- Squared may not be for the timid, but, then again,  nor is this trend.

Words by Claudia Canavan. Images courtesy of Style.com.

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