The most important colors of WGSN and Coloro for FW23/24

The trend research institute WGSN, together with the color experts from Coloro, already in December Key colors for the Fall/Winter 23/24 season
presented. To give you an idea of ​​how these colors could be used in design, FashionUnited has compiled a few examples of each of the shades that were seen on the SS23 catwalks.

The duo’s color choices were designed to reflect how people adjust their different lifestyles to focus on building a vision of the future, with colors designed to engage consumers.

Image: WGSN and Coloros key colors for FW23/24. Via WGSN

“Our key colors capture the evolving behavior of consumers, sensitive to their changing emotional states and changing lifestyles,” Jenny Clark, head of color at WGSN, said in a statement about the selection.

“These versatile colors have cross-seasonal qualities that reflect the importance of responsible color choice, and we expect them to last well into 2024.”

Digital Lavender

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Digital Lavender. Image: (left to right) Yuhan Wang via BFC, Brandon Maxwell via Catwalkpictures, Marni via Marni

Named the Color of the Year 2023, Digital Lavender is closely associated with the rise of digital wellness and escapism, evident in people’s search for immersive digital experiences that emphasize health and mindfulness. The color itself is described by the duo as “soothing” and offers harmonizing properties associated with this movement. It has been used on many products, from lightweight lace dresses, as seen on the Yuhan Wang runways, to floor-length leather coats at Marni.

Astro Dust

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Astro Dust. Image: (left to right) Y/Project, Rick Owens, Casablanca – all via Catwalkpictures

A “captivating” tone, as described by WGSN, comes with the commercialization of space travel. The “deep mineral” shading evokes a “dusty and desolate landscape” and a desire to explore remote areas. The two organizations suggested using Astro Dust for materials such as leather, as seen in Y/Project menswear, or for textured outerwear, an element explored by Rick Owens in bulky layering.

Galactic Cobalt

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Galactic Cobalt. Image: (left to right) Off-White via Off-White, LaQuan Smith via Catwalkpictures, Jennifer Blom via Jennifer Blom

Like Astro Dust, Galactic Cobalt has taken inspiration from the new space age, as well as digital transformation and the Metaverse. This “intense and dynamic” blue, according to the report, will appeal to those people in search of escapism and a (digital) augmentation of their reality. As suggested by WGSN, this hue can be enhanced with transformative finishes, such as metallic tones as seen in the LaQuan Smith and Jennifer Blom collections. Off-White has used the color almost throughout its collection, which is characterized by a sense of tactility, as color experts also noted.

Say Leaf

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Say Leaf. Photo: (from left to right) Coperni via Coperni, Loewe via Loewe, Craig Green via Craig Green

Sage Leaf is also closely related to a state of well-being. The “calm and soothing” green is intended to instill a sense of contemplation, calm and reflection, according to WGSN. The report added that the hue is well-suited for a considered and pared-down design as consumers begin to grapple with overstimulation and stress. In line with the duo’s suggestions of using the color for the upscale military, the hue could be seen in looks of this caliber on the Craig Green runway. However, as seen in the Coperni and Loewe collections, the green can also be used for soft, textured materials such as velvet.

Apricot crush

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Apricot crush. Image: (from left to right) Hermès via Hermès, Diesel via Diesel, Dawei via Catwalkpictures

Previously named Color of the Year 2024, Apricot Crush has “restorative” qualities that cater to “a balancing lifestyle and nourishment for body and mind.” Set against soft pastel tones, this invigorating orange seems to be a boost to the season’s color palette. According to WGSN, the color is not only suitable for Baeuty products, but also for outerwear, as seen on the Dawei catwalk, and knitwear, as shown at Hermès.

This article was similarly published on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Barbara Russ

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