Vibrant colors and unorthodox combinations bring a free-spirted vibe to Fall/Winter 2023-2024 collections at London Fashion Week, according to the Pantone Color Institute.
The global provider of professional color standards for the design industries shared its forecast on Friday, naming the 10 “standout” colors and five “new classics” it expects to see during the five-day fashion event.
Whereas Pantone’s forecast for New York Fashion Week focused on traditional hues recontextualized with a modern edge, its report for London celebrates individuality.
“Personal expression and freedom of style paves the way to a future full of colorful possibilities,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone Color Institute executive director, about the color palette. This “free-style” approach to color is executed in “witty individual looks, unconventional pairings, and profound color mixes,” she added.
Reflecting a focus on unique personalization and the desire to break free, Pantone said the colors “rejoice in individuality and creativity, blending our need for vibrant, joyful color that actively vies for attention with essential, yet refined subtle timeless tones.”
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Pantone’s selection of standout colors underscores this desire to be seen, especially red tones. Fiery Red conveys excitement in a sexy and sensual way. Fired Brick is a “magnanimous reddish brown with finesse and savoir faire.”
Persimmon is described as a “honeyed coral with a delicate sweetness.” Conch Shell, a soft shade of pink, signals a shift from the Barbiecore hues that have electrified the runway as of late.
Sharp Green, an “exuberant” yellow green, and Spectra Yellow, a shade that “speaks to innovation, enlightenment and energy,” offers a pop of acidic citrus tones ripe for Pantone’s forecast for unconventional color pairings.
Nature’s influence can be found in Lacecap Hydrangea, a floral blue, and Blue Atoll, a “waterborne blue that invites thoughts of tropical escape,” Pantone said.
Sparkling Grape and Olive Oil, a “nourishing golden green,” are the most traditional autumnal colors.
“Unobtrusive tints and tones display a subtle presence,” Pantone said of the colors it selected as new classics.
Seedpearl is a “lightly shaded” version of off-white, while Nimbus Cloud is described as a “wispy ethereal gray.” Lava Smoke is the season’s deep gray.
The influence of utilitarian fashion is seen in Pale Khaki, a contemporary versatile tan taken from tradition. Forest Green, a stalwart for fall/winter, provides “protective cover,” Pantone said.
Together, Pantone said the color report drives the fashion industry “toward a new openness and promoting a message to stay true to oneself.”