As part of their semi-annual webinar, the trend research institute WGSN and the trend experts from Coloro the five trend colors are presented, which will set the tone in the SS25 season. Each of the shades was chosen to convey a sense of security at a time of great uncertainty and global change, while reflecting a “shift towards strategic imagination,” according to the trend forecasters.
FashionUnited has put together some looks from current runway collections in the colors selected by WGSN and Coloro, which can serve as inspiration.
Future Dusk
“Future Dusk” was chosen as the color of the year 2025. This color was described by Urangoo Samba, Head of Color at WGSN, as a “reliable blue” that instills “a sense of confidence and stability” while driving “the creation of new perspectives on the future.” According to Samba, the choice of this shade was related to the prediction that dark tones would become more important as they herald a time of transition.
Future Dusk has already been seen in numerous variants in the collections of various designers. Many of the designs tie into WGSN’s idea that the color has a strong connection to the current fascination with the second space age. Alberta Ferretti’s Resort ’24 collection uses the hue in combination with contrasting materials for a hooded dress reminiscent of sci-fi clothing. The color was used in a floor-length leather coat at the Saint Laurent SS23 show. The coat is reminiscent of a modern version of the film The Matrix.
Transcendent Pink
Transcendent Pink is versatile and suitable for people of all genders and demographics, making it a “commercially reliable” choice, according to Caroline Guilbert, Creative Content Lead at Coloro. Unlike other shades of pink that have been popular lately – notably Barbie’s hot pink – this shade has a more subtle hue that’s earthy and therefore conveys a sense of stability, Guilbert points out.
Aquatic Awe
This shade has a dual character, embodying elements of both the natural world and virtual space. Aquatic Awe is inspired by the underwater world and its ecosystems, but also reflects the growing trend towards immersive virtual worlds. This unique combination bridges the gap between fantasy and reality, as Samba emphasizes. She also named the tone as one of her personal favorites for 2025.
As well as the duality of colour, the designers who incorporated Aquatic Awe into their collections presented diverse outcomes – from streetwear to eveningwear to experimental ready-to-wear. While Aitorgoikoetxea presented the aquatic shade in a mesh cardigan, Speed showed off a velvet blazer. Victoria Tomas served up a streetwear update. She used the clay as a metallic transparent material.
Sunset Coral
This new breed of coral is meant to counteract societal focus on productivity and, despite its vibrant appearance, encourages people to enjoy moments of stillness and relaxation, Coloro’s Guilbert said. Additionally, the Guilbert spoke of the idea of ”conscious hedonism” associated with Sunset Coral as it seeks to create a meaningful connection between moments of indulgence and a greater sense of purpose. Like a stunning sunset, this shade embodies both joy and meaning.
While coral has been a staple in fashion seasons past, this new iteration of the shade offers a bolder take on the normally reserved pigment. This was also reflected on the catwalks of the 2023 season, where daring shapes and experimental silhouettes led the way. For the FW23 collection, Act N.21 took up the hue in the form of a fishtail dress, the cleavage billowing out into an exaggerated fluffy cloud. Meanwhile, Palmer Harding played with the entire silhouette with a dress that was gathered and tied at various points and finished with an asymmetric hemline.
Ray Flower
Coloro credits the work of multidisciplinary designer Jess Redgrave, who works with sunflowers to create natural dyes, as a source of inspiration for Ray Flower. Described by Samba as “naturally optimistic and calming”, Ray Flower was referring to the growing trend towards more radical sustainability, where the environment is seen as a key player in design and production.
The strong tone was used in a similarly daring manner when it appeared in the designers’ collections, where it was characterized by a surprising versatility and numerous possible uses. At Ferragamo and OffWhite, yellow appeared in the form of outerwear, in modern raincoats and parka-trousers combinations. In striking contrast, Jil Sander and Dundas presented the shade in red carpet-ready evening wear, either in a structured, sweeping skirt or in a silky flowy maxi dress.
Background information:
Color trend prediction is all about predicting the future popularity of certain colors by analyzing cultural trends, social movements, design influences, among others. Companies like WGSN and its sister company Coloro apply their expertise and industry knowledge to examine current trends, consumer behavior and emerging styles. In this way, they predict the colors that will be in demand for years to come and enable their customers, i.e. designers, producers and retailers, to stay ahead of the curve.
This article was edited by Jule Scott, Rachel Douglass and Esmée Blaazer.