Seeing Red
For such an unabashedly upfront colour, red can be deceptively difficult to wear. On the one hand, it’s bold and uncomplicated, and true reds will suit almost every skin tone. On the other side of the coin, the raw power of the hue can make potential wearers feel a little squeamish. After all, red is the colour of passion and overt sensuality; of emotions worn literally and figuratively on the sleeve. It’s also a key colour trend for spring/summer 2015, with rich, vibrant tomato-like tones threaded through many of this season’s key collections. We’re not talking sleepily subtle reds here – no dark berry shades or innocuous burgundies allowed. But that doesn’t mean red should only be worn by the brave. In fact, it’s relatively easy to harness the full potential of such a high impact colour. If crimson is a hot flame, then darker, safer shades are dying embers. And this SS15, it’s all about burning bright.
On The Runways
From a hint of carmine on shirting to scarlet three-piece suits, red was omnipresent on the SS15 runways. But just because the hue is now everywhere doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be everywhere all at once. Many designers opted instead to use red in a more minimal, artfully wearable sense that can be easily translated to everyday use.
Balmain
This is the collection that answered the eternal question, “What’s black and white and red all over?” At Balmain, Olivier Rousteing added red to duo-chromatic, geometric slabs of ghost white with black or navy, while jackets and jersey zip-ups in moto silhouettes were smartly disjointed with vibrant slashes of crimson. The Balmain man is a very French sort of rockstar; instead of Cobain-esque plaids, outerwear was paired with crisp stripes – of both the ‘go faster’ and Breton variety. This edginess was complemented by on-trend sportswear elements, with biker jackets teamed with red panelled jersey trousers. It’s the kind of outfit that a young Evel Knievel might wear to Cap d’Antibes:
Lanvin
Lanvin’s spring/summer 2015 showcase was a masterclass in subtle impact. The brand’s menswear designer Lucas Ossendrijver proved that economical use of bright red could be both elegant and atmospherically moody. In a collection that was overwhelmingly dominated by darker colours, simple and minimal highlights of red – hidden behind blazers, tucked under jumpers and smartly obscured – let in some much-needed light:
Dolce & Gabbana
Dolce & Gabbana are the masters of romantic red – the colour of blood and hot-fire passions. It’s the kind of red that is, frankly, a little terrifying to wear. The occasional burgundy suit seemed almost conspicuous in its wearability; elsewhere the reds were brought out with embroidery and embellishment. During the finale, the models marched en masse in different permutations of the same three-piece suit – both single- and double-breasted – all in the same standout shade and material that looked almost as if it were lit from within:
Reiss Watkins Pocket Polo Shirt Red
Accents & Accessories
By far the easiest way to wear bright shades of red is to incorporate small flashes into daily wear via accessories and detailing. Red ties, pocket squares, shoes, belts, lightweight scarves and bags are all available on the current market, and will inject life into any look, smart or casual. Much like at Lanvin, these bold accents often look best set against a dark, neutral backdrop to maximise their effect.
- Ted Baker Suznas Print Silk Scarf
- Selected Pocket Square
- Drakes Polka-dot Silk Pocket Square
- Herschel Supply Co Little America Classic Backpack
- Jaeger Knitted Silk Tie Red
- Andersons Plain Elastic Woven Belt
- Mondaine Evo Stainless Steel Watch
- Adidas X Pharrell Supercolor Superstar Trainers In Red
- Sperry Leather Boat Shoes In Burgundy
Final Word
While it has traditionally been known as the colour of unbridled emotion, red isn’t definitively a statement of bravery or romantic intent. In reality, it’s a surprisingly versatile primary shade that has a long and rich history in menswear design. Don’t be deceived – red is a strong colour, but with a little knowledge, it can be safely tamed. So, will red be a welcome addition in your wardrobe once the weather starts to warm up? Or is this a colour trend that goes too far? Let us know in the comments section below.
