Beige is back

Or perhaps it never went away? Kelly Hoppen explains the rise of beige 2.0, how to work it and why she never stopped being on ‘Beige Watch’

- Kelly Hoppen

Beige has always been my go-to, and it is so synonymous with me that the ‘Hoppen Style’ became an adjective. Many a tongue-in-cheek headline has been written about it, calling me the ‘Queen of Beige’ and putting me on ‘Beige Watch,’ and when I got my MBE in 2009 Rory Bremner did a speech where he said the award stood for ‘Makes Beige Exciting’. How did I feel about it? Honestly? It’s always made me laugh.

Now, trend watchers are saying beige is back but for me it never really left. It’s been by my side throughout my career, though I have noticed over the last year that neutrals are being turned to more widely again. People want light, harmony and balance, and they’re finally understanding how calming beige tones are. Having spent so much time at home recently, it’s natural to be reconsidering the way we live, and neutrals really tie into the focus we now put on our mental health and wellbeing – they truly create serenity and allow you to relax. Beige is such a grounding colour and I am convinced that being surrounded by it makes you feel better mentally.