THE STORY:

This is it, you might have already noticed it and if not, be ready to see it around as 17-3938 Very Peri has been defined by PANTONE as the colour of the year 2022.

And even though I often warn you about trends and recommend to my clients to think twice about these in general, this one has definitely got me into it.

Everyone might describe it differently but I like to see it as a periwinkle blue with an undertone of red violet.

According to Pantone: the combination of violet red undertones and blues represents the transformation of the physical and digital world. The Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, Leatrice Eiseman has also been describing this unusual (but not unwearable) tone as: “spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expressions”.

How cute…

Even if this would mainly be inspiring the home decor and interior design this year, I would be ready to adopt it in my wardrobe and would happily suggest it to my clients.

I even think that I would get more sick of it if it was on my walls or furniture than on my clothes. You wear your clothes time to time but you live and see your house almost everyday so keep it safe and reasonable when jumping on Citta’s website next…

HOW TO WEAR:

Yes it’s quite out of many people’s comfort zone, however, considering its bold hue, this colour is a surprisingly versatile one. From the neutral, earthy up to bright and bold shades, it can be more flexible than you think.

If I was investing in a new piece for myself, I would probably go HARD OUT on a big item like a heavy blazer or maxi wide leg pants if not adopting it as a full Ton sur Ton. If I am shopping with clients, it might be a safer introduction as targeting the accessory range and gradually introducing an underlayer.

IN THE STREET:

My other thought when I saw this colour was that I can’t imagine ANYONE not being able to suit Very Peri. Seriously?! No matter if you are pale, golden tan or black skin, it will just give it a different vibrance but will still have a WOW effect no matter what.

THE BOYZ:

In contrast with the bright purple we’ve seen around the last couple of years (was really not a fan of that one btw), I am convinced that the Very Peri is easier to adopt in the menswear wardrobe as well. It’s not lavender or lilac, it’s something more special than that, deeper and more rewarding. Yes you might get people maintaining their gaze at you a bit longer than usual in the street but it would probably be because they’ll be thinking ‘I’m inspired by this dude’.

PODIUMS:

Now let’s talk about the pro’s, Valentino was one of the first to incorporate the colour in Fashion Week last year with a full ensemble, followed by Gucci, Lanvin and I can’t forget about Miumiu’s puffer look.

You will be happy to see Very Peri through a vast range or textures and fabrics as it adapts beautifully with either knits or smoother surface like leather and vinyl. If we also think “META” or Digital world, we can be prepared to see it on more synthetic and technical garments which would bring the light and shine effect to a higher grade. I am personally ready and excited to see this on sportswear and outdoor labels!

If we think about a different type of podium: Kamala Harris used this colour to symbolize the union between the blue and the red, the two political parties of her Country during her investiture to the White House. Not anodyne especially when worn by a woman and adopted by the feminist movement.

RETRO:

Now, other the ultra luxurious and expensive International designer, where can we hunt for some cool Very Peri stuff? Well, I’m not gonna lie, it won’t be so easy as it can quickly be done “badly” and turning to much toward the purple shades by many fast fashion brands. But if we look closer to some fashion icons, this colour was already out there in the past especially in the late 90’s early 2000’s (Thanks to the Disney channel era with Lizzie Mcguire and other astonishing icons of the cinema…), meaning that you could find some very special treasures in your favorite Op shop or good old Trade me.