The vibrant color palette has returned, so we trace back its sudden rise in the fashion scene
The neon palette isn’t new in the fashion scene. It’s dated back in the 80s when a new wave of pop culture made its way to the mainstream and people wore the famed colors from casuals to sportswear. After awhile, it appeared once again in the early 2010s when people were all about the latest electronic dance music and raves. Now, we’re seeing the comeback of neons as several fashion houses join in on the trend this time around.
RELATED: Why is Fashion Obsessed with Decade Dressing
A decade ago
During the early 2010s, our wardrobes were flooded with sequined tank tops, ripped skinny jeans, and the ever-so-popular neon palette. We have to credit the upbeat music and raves people were enthusiastically joining, as well as social media platforms like Tumblr and Pinterest. We can’t deny that these evidently defined the style personality we had back then.
Most of us must have actively decided to erase the memories of the quite confusing fashion we had that time, so imagine our surprise when we noticed how neons have begun making an appearance on different runways. After seeing the rise of neons once again, we can’t help but accept it in a more modern take.
Story behind color
Designers from around the world reached a collective understanding on how to present their works after the pandemic. For them, there was a sense of responsibility to create pieces that exude positivity and hope as the world slowly moved back to its normal pace. What better way to execute this message than presenting a line of hues that will undoubtedly make a spirited statement?
We have to keep in mind that neons weren’t the first choice of palette in 2022. Always one to have color in their creations, Jacquemus held his Spring/Summer 2022 collection “Le Splash” at the outskirts of France and presented a line of vibrant pieces reminiscent of the beach. Some weren’t necessarily neon, but there was definitely more vibrancy than usual.
A year later, Fendi had their Fall/Winter 2023 collection where they definitely embraced neons. And just recently, Gucci had their Cruise collection in Seoul where they translated the saturated hues with a mix of their codes and Seoul’s contemporary style.
Hit or miss
The color palette may have been a major miss years ago and we may or may not have horror stories of the style, but there is a huge difference between the neon looks we have nowadays. If you’re curious on how to style such vibrant pieces, keep in mind that minimal details go a long way. You can opt to wear neons the monochromatic way for a cohesive look or pair it with a neutral tone piece for a polished finish.
Photos: MEGA ARCHIVES
