Bright colors and unusual combinations will bring a free spirit to London Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2023-2024 collections, according to the Pantone Color Institute.
The international provider of professional color standards for the design industry shared its forecast on Friday, naming 10 “permanent” colors and five “new classics” that it expects to see during the five-day fashion event.
While Pantone’s New York Fashion Week forecast focuses on traditional colors enhanced with a modern edge, its London report celebrates individuality.
Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said of the color palette: “The freedom of personal expression and style paves the way for brighter options for the future.” This “free-style” approach to color takes place in “funky individual looks, unusual pairings and deep color combinations.”
Reflecting a unique focus on personalization and the desire to break free, Pantone’s colors “we are happy with individuality and creativity, mixing our desire for fun and exciting color with an active, essential yet refined subtle timeless tone that delights in individuality and creativity.”
Pantone’s selection of portrait colors emphasizes this need to be seen, especially the red tones. Fiery Red conveys happiness through lust and passion. Burnt Brick is a “very light brown with a subtle and savoir faire.”
Persimmon is described as “honeyed coral with a sweet sweetness.” Conch shell, a soft shade of pink, marks a transition from the Barbiecore hues that have graced the runway as of late.
Sharp green, an “exciting” yellow green, and Spectra yellow, a shade that “speaks to creativity, knowledge and energy” are unusual color pairings for Pantone, with ripe acidic citrus tones popping up.
A natural influence is found in Lacecap Hydrangea, a floral blue, and Blue Atoll, a “watery blue that invites thoughts of a tropical escape,” said Pantone.
Sparkling wine and olive oil, an “edible golden green” are very traditional autumn colors.
Pantone said about the colors he chose as a new classic: “Unknown colors and tones reveal a subtle presence.”
Seedpearl is a “lightly shaded” off-white version, while Nimbus Cloud is described as a “vibrant ethereal gray.” Lava Smoke is the deep gray of the season.
The influence of utilitarian fashion is seen in pale khaki, a modern versatile tan taken from the traditional. Forest green, hardy for fall/winter, “provides a protective layer,” says Pantone.
Together, Pantone said the color report will “introduce the fashion industry to a new message of openness and self-reliance”.
