Breaking down the trending 'Unexpected Red Theory' in fashion

In the ever-evolving fashion landscape, where trends change overnight, one colour has consistently captivated designers and buyers, alike: red. Beyond it’s status as a timeless classic, the colour possesses an allure that transcends seasons and styles, making it an eternal favourite among fashion enthusiasts. 

The viral 'Unexpected Red Theory' flooding social media has, once again, brought the colour in the limelight. It has garnered attention for its ability to complement any style or outfit, leaving an indelible impact wherever it appears.

The theory was coined by interior designer Taylor Simon in one of her tiktok videos, where she described it as “adding anything red, big or small, to a room where it doesn’t match at all;” and whether it’s the walls of a room or a piece of clothing, the colour beckons us to embrace its fiery essence.

But what is it about red that captivates the human psyche, defying the bounds of time and culture? In the vast spectrum of colours, red stands out as a hue with profound psychological impact, whether it’s the ability to command attention or evoke a multitude of emotions. From it’s evolutionary roots as a primal signal of danger to it’s modern day association with passion, energy and vitality, red continues to exert a profound influence on our collective consciousness.

Fashion weeks are renowned for setting trends that will dominate the runway and streets in the coming seasons, and the one colour that stole the spotlight during the recent shows across the globe, was red. It was everywhere, from the bags at Victoria Beckham ready-to-wear collection and Bottega Veneta, to the striking collars at Amiri.

 

The colour boldly adorned various collections, from Isabel Marant's chic ensembles to Bally's cosy knitwear and outerwear pieces. Beyond it’s striking visual appeal, red also had several symbolic associations that resonated with the themes and narratives of these collections. 

 

Rihanna impressed everyone at the Super Bowl with her stunning all-red ensemble from Loewe. Meanwhile fashion icons such as Hailey Bieber consistently embrace the bold hue, seamlessly incorporating it into their everyday attire, whether it’s a bucket hat or a pair of red socks—which saw a 30% surge in popularity over the last six months—that she wore with her all black outfit, or the famous red Row loafers often seen worn by Emma Stone. Actor Julianne Moore was also seen carrying a burgundy Bottega Veneta bag for the brand's Fall/Winter 2024 show.

 

 

Feature Image Credit:
@bally/Instagram 

@amiri/Instagram 

@jacquemus/Instagram

@haileybieber/Instagram

Also Read: The hottest moments from the Paris Fashion Week 2024

Also Read: Tracing the evolution and influence of New York Fashion Week with founder, Fern Mallis