Beloved Bright and Bold is Back

Image Courtesy: Paper Magazine

Neutral colors will remain a timeless staple regardless of the new trend cycles we see every season. Although neutrals will undoubtedly hold a place in our hearts and closets until the end of time, bold and bright colors are shining through the cracks of the darkness and gloom we have experienced in the pandemic years.

The bold and bright color trend evokes feelings of excitement while simultaneously reflecting on the desire for adventure and joy. While this shift from neutral to bright and bold has been gradually gaining popularity, the prevalence of intense, fun colors truly flourished when the effects of the coronavirus pandemic began slowing down.

At the start of the pandemic, many individuals were required to work remotely, which diminished the need to look completely presentable; instead, many resorted to loungewear to remain comfortable throughout the day. While remote work had many benefits, it also strained mental health.

According to an online survey conducted by the American Psychiatric Association, the majority of employees working from home expressed that they had experienced negative impacts on their mental health, including loneliness, isolation, and difficulty. These feelings of isolation and hardship were portrayed in many runway shows, and fashion campaigns, as brands employed the use of muted tones and neutral colors, often tones associated with gloom.

Image Courtesy: The Impression

In his Fall/Winter 2020 collection, designer Simon Porte Jacquemus opted for a more minimalistic color palette showcasing gentle shades of gray, ecru, and ivory. The collection served as an homage to Jacquemus’ beginnings as he said, “[he] wanted to go back to that sense of minimalism.” The contrast from neutrals to bright colors was prevalent in his Autumn/Winter 2021 collection where Jacquemus brought bright colors back to the runway– hot pink, bright sky blue, and cherry red – while also incorporating some neutral garments. Fall/Winter 2021 season heralds a return to normalcy; the world started leaving behind the all-day loungewear look and shifted to bold and bright clothing in their daily lives.

Image Courtesy: Vogue France

Luxury brands, high fashion retailers, and renowned editorials incorporated all things bright and bold into their most recent collections and campaigns to reflect the resilience of a post-pandemic world. PatBo’s Patricia Bonaldi revived the “party” vibe for those wishing to live life again. While she employed elevated neutral garments, her Fall/Winter 2022 collection showcased embellished garments in bright purples and reds. Popular luxury fashion retailer, Net-A-Porter, recently launched their “Go for Bold” campaign packed with loud, vivid colors that included vibrant pieces from brands like Dries Van Noten and Loewe. In their April 2022 editorial, Vogue US recruited Bella Hadid and Adut Akech to sport bright colors and provide a visual pop of hues.

Although neutrals will always be a staple, vibrancy in the fashion world will continue to surge as we stray further from constant loungewear; hot pink, Bottega green, and bright blue will be seen everywhere for years to come.

Image Courtesy: Strike Tallahassee

The fashion world is undoubtedly becoming bolder and brighter as we vividly embrace the normalcy we longed so much for during the troubling times of the pandemic.

Strike Out,

Writer: Fatima Hamad

Editor: Noelle Knowlton

Graphic Designer: Leah Solomon

Tallahassee