Somewhere OVER the RAINBOW

Once symbols of self-expression and joy, colours in fashion are quietly fading into the background. Why is that so?

- By JOAN KONG

Colour has always been a fundamental part of fashion.

From the psychedelic prints of the ’70s to the acid-wash neons of the '80s and the bubblegum pastels of the ’90s, every era came with a distinctive palette that said something about the culture of the time. But fast forward to today, in a world of muted shades — from black, white and grey to the ever-popular “vanilla girl” aesthetic — what happened to colours? Sure, they still pop up on runways now and then, but gone are the days when a loud, head-to-toe colour look was considered everyday wear. Now, bold colours are treated more like a trend than a staple. And how did we get here?

The shift didn’t happen overnight. Over the past decade, fashion’s obsession with minimalism has taken over. Think The Row’s chicly tailored neutrals, Jil Sander’s ultra-clean lines and the pared-back chic of Phoebe Philo. This less-is-more mentality has seeped into everything from our wardrobes to our homes (hello, monochrome Pinterest boards) — there’s a reason why the term “millennial grey” has been trending for the past few years.