A/W 25/26 Catwalk Colour Trends

From shadowy darks to winter brights, this season was a masterclass on how to use contrasting colours in fresh and exciting ways. We highlight the standout colour trends we spotted on the catwalks.

Winter Brights

Designers like Tory Burch have adopted unexpected colour combinations, offering a fresh and bold take on contemporary looks and tapping into winter brights and playful minimalism.

Statement Reds

Bright red was a key winter bright color, used to elevate collections while remaining impactful and familiar.

Brands incorporated statement reds as pops of color to highlight hero items and make them stand out. Acne Studios used statement red as a key transseasonal colour.

Bright red shades continue to be a key strategy for tapping into Playful Minimalism narratives.

Shadowy Darks

In contrast to winter brights, shadowy darks have long-term appeal. This season, the stand-out shade was our A/W 25/26 Key Colour, Cherry Lacquer (Coloro code: 159—23—15). It evoked a luxurious feel at No. 21.

Cherry Lacquer is a subversive dark with a luxurious appeal. In a world where niche is the new normal and outsiders are the new insiders, this colour looks to subcultures such as punk, metal and goth for inspiration, and has a sense of intimacy and pulsating intensity.

In an age of rage and uncertainty, Cherry Lacquer embodies a form of radical escapism and self-empowerment. It also has a seductive quality that taps into our deepest, darkest desires, taboos and pleasures as a form of radical escapism and self-empowerment.

Want to achieve colours like Cherry Lacquer across your product range? Check out Coloro, WGSN’s chosen colour partner and the leader in colour excellence, for accurate and vibrant colour.

Core Classics

The need for commercial colours that offer long-term appeal prevails, with designers opting for grey, dark browns and neutrals for Demure Dressing.

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