
By Niamh ODonoghue
26th Mar 2018
26th Mar 2018
Admittedly, the last time I wore lilac (other than with a pair of sweats while hoovering the house) was probably sometime pre-2015, but keeping in line with Pantone’s colour of the year, it seems that my friendship with purple has reignited far sooner than I expected. Though Pantone’s choice of purple is a deeper violet, we’re obsessing over lighter shades right now, and they have a real feel of spring to them.
Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to the purple spectrum. The colour is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspires connection.
When it comes to our wardrobes, purple has already made a significant cultural impact. Refinery29 gently reminds us of the time that Hilary Clinton wore a purple-accented Ralph Lauren trouser suit when she conceded defeat to Donald Trump in November 2016. Or how about Prince’s iconic image and music which has been intrinsically linked to the colour purple over the last few decades. Indeed the colour has funnelled over time through our favourite catwalks like Emilio Pucci, Moschino and Gucci.
Emilio Pucci AW18
If wearing a colour can instil hope and discovery through uncertain times then I’m excited to give it a go. Here are 10 clever ways to effortlessly introduce lilac into your wardrobe for ss18.
The perfect springtime sweater from Ganni
The Julliard mohair pullover, €419 at Ganni
Bellowing sleeves at Rixo London
Imogen daisy dream top, €188.93 at Rixo London
Subetely-hued sneakers from Naked CPH
Nike sportswearAir Max 97 ultra ’17 in particle rose, €210 at nakedcph.com
Keeping it high and wide at Mango
High-waist palazzo trousers, €35.95 at mango.com
…and refined and sexy at The Frankie Shop
Open back blazer, €201.02 at thefrankieshop.com
Buckles with added ‘yee-haw’ at Boohoo
Alexandra star buckle skinny western belt, €16 at Boohoo.com
Silver accents at Marques’ Almeida
Ring-embellished twill shirt by Marques’ Almeida, €192 at theoutnet.com
Pom-pom toes at Topshop
Renee pom-pom sandals, €52 at Topshop
Satin silhouettes at River Island
Light purple satin cape tapered jumpsuit, €30 at River Island
Shadey-lady at Pared Eyewear
Pools and palms acetate sunglasses, €185.68 at Paredeyywear.com