Orange Crush
If your closet's contents still house the entourage of black, brown and gray you sported all winter, now is the time to give her a face lift. Here's how: push those boring basics to the back shelf and make room for this season's must-have hue: orange.
We're not talking about the pale variety you typically see gracing store fronts this time of year, but a whole new “hello, gorgeous” swatch that falters between tangerine, nectarine and clementine. Fresh, juicy and absolutely sensational, orange is the best, and easiest, way to add pop to your wardrobe.
“A splash of orange on an accessory or little hints of the color on a garment go a long way in terms of giving life and energy to your ensemble,” explains Rosie Dulyapaibul, owner of Bucktown's high-fashion Roslyn Boutique.
Pictured right: An orange Nika le Butik dress priced at $335, photo courtesy of Nika le Butik
And, Brooke J. Scott, Bloomingdale's Fashion Director for Accessories, Shoes and Handbags, agrees – and explains why: "Michael Kors actually started the orange fever in his spring 2008 show, which featured an amazing palette of bright orange mixed with shades of melon and pink.
The feeling was upbeat and optimistic, because the overwhelming palette of color couldn't help but make you smile. Then in Milan, Jil Sander took orange to another level. This time electric orange tops were paired with sleek fuchsia pants. It was stunning – and fun!”
Maria Pinto, who plans to open a boutique on Jefferson St. in the Fulton Market District this summer, carries a similar-styled, sexy and sophisticated suit this season.
Although orange has always been a wonderful fashion color, what's new (and special) about it this season is how it's matched back to other colors of equal intensity. (Translation: it's best to mix intensely saturated colors with one another rather than to match head to toe in one hue.)
Pictured left: A Maria Pinto orange suit, photo courtesy of Maria Pinto
One brand that scores high in our fashion grade book: J. Crew. Kudos to the once-king of nautical wear, this season we see J. Crew pairing bright orange with yellow, pink and greens.
Other mainstream favorites like Banana Republic, United Colors of Benetton, Express and Bebe are following suit, showcasing the brightest best-kept secrets.
That said, we understand if you're suffering from bright-bombshell hesitation; after all, we also stayed under dark wraps during the winter freeze. But then again, what better a time than spring to thaw out in something fabulous and festive?
Pictured right: Photo of an orange cardigan sweater courtesy of J.Crew
“The spring palette is known for splashes of invigorating brights and bursts of color, and thankfully, the collections for '08 are staying relevant with the new color trends by incorporating orange into the mix. This is empowering consumers to explore new and creative ways to combine color in their wardrobe.
Plus, it makes shopping fun,” says Park Ridge's Nika le Butik owner, Monika Crossin. “We are now seeing a turn toward a presentation that adds energy and excitement to the wardrobe with combinations of orange in clothing as well as accessories, like handbags, shoes and jewelry.”
Pictured left: A Nika le Butik bag priced at $338, photo courtesy of Nika le Butik
Earrings, bracelets, necklaces: anything goes, says Chicago-based jewelry designer, Dana Levy, whose spring collection is adorned with citrine, jade and turquoise.
Obviously we can't abandon the muted tones of black, brown, white or hues of taupe. Thankfully, these all blend well with orange.
“Just scale up or down in the right places. If you are more daring, try pairing orange with a bright green. These opposing pops of color should be worn minimally, on a smaller scale,” explains Crossin. “Have fun, but know when enough is enough.
Pictured right: Photo of a set of Dana Levy earrings priced at $1760 courtesy of Dana Levy
◊ March 2008
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