The Pantone’s 2019 colour is here and it’s an optimistic yet old-fashioned shade called the ‘living coral.’ The colour is derived from the beautiful underwater coral reefs that are facing extinction in many parts of the world and is a subtle reminder of doing our bit to sustain the ecosystem. As the New Year calls for a new addition to the fashion dynamics, get ready to dive deep into the ocean and don’t be too surprised if you see this shade emerging on every sought-after silhouette.
Model sporting a Ritesh Aniket Rishav collection
A little orange and a little pink — coral is a colour that looks great on anything and everything. From a crisp shirt to a gown or even a lehenga, the zesty orange and shades of coral will be a key summer colour thinks designer Krupa Kapadia. She says “It’s fresh and summery in a contemporary sophisticated way and will definitely be seen in accessories and shoes. For people who aren’t comfortable going all out with this trend, the little pops of colour will let them participate in keeping up with this trend. Earrings, bags, brooches, hats, and belts, this colour will work well for head to toe looks. The only rule is to carry it with confidence. For festive wear, coral can be paired with a cream or lemon yellow for a haldi/ wedding function/ festivities in the day. For example, a saree in shades of coral with cold embroidery would stand out, and for an evening function or a cocktail, party, coral can be paired with a navy blue/oxblood. For daily wear, micro prints like tiny squares can work well with a lighter
colour as the base as seen in our palazzo pants. Pair it with a beige embroidered blouse and throw a cape on and you’re good to go. A peasant blouse with jeans and a belt can work wonders to elevate your style. Layer it on a beige skirt and a matching beige blazer and it can work for office wear too.”
Layering with coral will be a big trend as it brings the best out of an average dull outfit. In the stating of spring, flowing gowns and floral prints will make the year bloom with the sheer energy of this shade. For Shraddha Pacheriwal, VP Design at the fashion label Raisin, the shade Living Coral speaks of the earth’s most essential and magnificent ecosystems to the necessity of bringing optimistic and intimate vibes into everything. She mentions the Pantone logic of selecting this colour and says, “According to the Pantone institute the colour Living Coral is evocative of how coral reefs provide shelter to a diverse kaleidoscope of colour. With this thought, it’s safe to say that this is one such colour which settles with all the skin tones and welcomes all. Be it deep dark skin, rosy fair skin tones or medium tones, it’s the kind of colour which pleases the eye and evokes vitality and connection. Since we are going to be looking at a lot of corals this year, pair it with bottoms which are contrasting like
plain white or black cigarette pants. You can even bring some floral prints into the picture which complements the versatility of the colour. Strong solid coral with beautiful gold or silver accessories will brighten up solid silhouettes and add an extravaganza in a minimalistic way.”
As coral indicates buoyancy and joyous temperament, it is predicted to be omnipresent throughout different seasons in the form of accessories, apparel, and occasion wear. Accordingly to designer Adarsh Makharia, 2019 will see the abundance of colours like coral, pastels, midnight blue, yellow and blush – and, he guides on how to style it, “Coral has always been a part of the Indian colour palette as it goes well with bridal wear and the Indian skin tone. A coral coloured dupatta can be paired with a red or midnight blue lehenga. A midnight blue outfit from top to bottom with just coral coloured accessories like earrings and shoes with also give you an edgy and stylish look.”
Since the influence of the East can be seen growing on an international runway, oriental red is expected to emerge as an important colour in the New Year. Even the eco-woke generation can’t stop gushing over the warmth of this shade as it can be paired with vintage and retro trends that are going strong this season. It will work with the cool psychedelic prints, neon colours and other big trends that are will be seen next year. Designer Chandni Sahi explains how to pair it and adds, “It is very easy to wear this colour as it is a lighter shade and goes with all kinds of skin tones. Pair it with other brighter colours like red, orange and pink for a contrast tone on tone effect. On the other hand, in the case of traditional garments light gold embroidery works very well on coral.”
