Why red is the colour of the season

It's not 2018 yet, but Pantone, the leading American colour forecasters, have already named ultra-violet (a matte purple shade) as the colour of next year. However, we are still in 2017, and if you ask me what the 'colour of the moment' is, I'd make a case for red. Nope, not because Christmas is right around the corner and red usually rules during this time. As a matter of fact, red ruled the runway during Fall/Winter 2017 showcases at the most important fashion weeks across the world.

Red means many things to many people - some associate the colour with love, while for some, it represents life. This Fall, red was celebrated in all its different facets. From cerise to merlot, all shades of red dominated the collections for Fall/Winter 2017. It was used to make a power statement - German fashion designer Jil Sander and American designer Derek Lam showed red trouser suits, Prada went for the more glamorous side of red with retro cocktail dresses and Alexander McQueen made the colour seem outright gorgeous with the use of frills, ruffles and chiffon!

Such was the craze that most designers were happy to go head-to-toe with red, matching their outfits with red bags and shoes, and sometimes even the lipstick. However, this is not something that has my vote of confidence, even though during this time of the year, one feels tempted to go all red.

With a colour as versatile as this one, the room for experimentation broadens. A red can easily complement a black or a white. A touch of the colour (say, on bags, shoes or earrings) on a blue or a green outfit can make the look seem festive. Also, remember that time when you were told not mix your reds with your pinks? Well, that's an outdated fashion rule now. Red and pink is that odd pairing that seems to be working rather well. There's something about this combination that just puts you in the mood to celebrate.

With Christmas being right around the corner, you may not really need to justify embracing reds. But ever wondered how red came to be associated with Christmas? It had nothing to do with Santa. The holly, which is traditionally used as a Christmas tree, with its green leaves and beautiful red berries had been associated with winter celebrations from the days of the Roman empire. It is one of those few trees that can survive the coldest of temperatures, with the brightness of berries adding some cheer to the winter gloom. And that's how red and green became the colours of Christmas.

When it comes to fashion, the combination of red and green can be a little jarring. However, with red commanding a mass appeal this season, you have all the more reason to flaunt the colour. While you can never go wrong with red, this season it is invincible