Trend Report: Purple Power

Dionna Young, Contributor

If there is ever a colour to be identified with luxury and passion, it would have to be, undoubtedly, purple. Historically, purple was only worn by the elite few, but fast-forward 2012 and purple will be worn by everyone.

Plum-coloured dresses, amethyst pumps or violet drainpipe jeans, the reigning purple palette list could quite impressively go on. If royalty and lavishness, which is so heavily associated with this princely colour is what you are after, then time to get excited, as purple in all shapes, shades and styles will be stocked at all fashion-worthy boutiques this coming fall.

Every lady likes a bit of chic luxury in their life, and now you can invest in this passionate colour and feel like royalty. Unlike other trends that may restrict you to a specific cut or colour, you'll be spoilt for choice with the many purple shades and garments so dramatically this fall, that you shouldn't be surprised when your normal day-to-day staples in your wardrobe get overridden by the trend-fabulous, dazzling purple.

Erdem designs keep the collection chic and simple, using darker purple hues and cutting just under the neck to barely expose the décolletage. Gucci matches the purple rich colour statement by showcasing luscious dark drapery to layer over pieces, and using heavy fabric materials on their models to sweep across the catwalk, depicting and epitomising the deluxe purple trend. While House of Holland and Christopher Kane has fun with the purple shade by using lighter hues of purple, entwining with its contrasting sister, the colour pink and varieties of exotic animal prints. Onlookers were spoilt for choice, gasping and admiring the boastful range of lavish purple, leaving many buyers and spectators speechless and mouths wide opened as though they were children in a candy shop.

What is so perfect about purple is the sheer simplicity to create a dramatic entrance and exit wearing this trend, leaving observers to stare in awe. Let's face it, the colour speaks for itself: It's a colour that can easily stand out of the crowd stating that the person wearing the garment is proud, has class, sophistication and likes to dance with fashion.

Whereas black traditionally depicts glamour and sophistication but can sometimes be mistaken for being dull or glum if overdone. Purple becomes the upbeat black, ensuring you'll always be the centre of attention.

So at this point, this is where I would state how this trend should be worn. Well, I'm going to slightly take a U-turn on the ruling. Instead, what I will say is just have fun with this trend, purple can never be outdone and nor can it be overdone. Wear it head to toe, from amethyst eyeshadows to violet clutch bags and for a little bit of something opposite, cute hot pink nails and pedicures. Sounds over the top? Nope, this is the trend for the non-faint-hearted and for those who want to end this year with a little fun.

For those of you who would like to indulge in a bit of purple but are a little scared to turn the notch up too loud, then tame the trend by wearing a darkened hue of purple and team your purple shirt or your favourite purple body-con dress with gold accessories to give it a real air of luxury and superfluity.

So here you have it, the purple monochromatic season is here to enjoy and dive into gleefully and optimistically. Want a colour that makes you feel overtly feminine, coquette and lavish all at the same time? Well, look no further, instant luxuriance will surely be yours for the taking.