It's time to dress like a field of lavender

Taylor Swift tried to tell us in her hit Lavender Haze and its accompanying video: we will be wearing lavender in the coming months. Or, rather, Digital Lavander. Even though Pantone has declared Viva Magenta the colour of the year 2023, many are going for this particularly soft, delicate and dusty shade of purple, reminiscent of the beautiful fields of Provence but with an ethereal touch. The reasons for this? According to Clare Smith, colour strategist at WGSN, it's a statement of hope, positivity, serenity and balance that can convey a mix of imagination, creativity, but also cautious optimism and escapism that people have in difficult times like the ones we are going through.

As you would expect, Digital Lavender colours every aspect of our lives, from the walls of our homes to our furniture, from our wardrobes to the red carpets of celebrities like Simone Ashley, Kaley Cuoco and Laura Harrier, who have chosen it as a feminine and sophisticated alternative to Barbiecore pink. The Bridgerton star wore a crystal-studded model by 16arlington at the British Fashion Council; the Big Bang Theory actress opted for a Vera Wang dress at the 2023 Emmy Awards, while Harrier looked super chic in a lavender Saint Laurent outfit at the brand's FW23 menswear show. However, the dusty, calming hue has not only won over Hollywood stars, but also numerous fans on TikTok, where creators and users share tips for using lavender in makeup (digital lavender nails seem to be the latest trend in manicures) and everyday looks.

Lavender is easy to match. Perhaps that's why so many designers and brands have brought this colour to the catwalk and why prices in the SS23 collections have increased by 61.6 per cent compared to the previous season. The best and coolest option is to combine it with green, especially mint green, as we saw at Sportmax, with a layering of petticoat-style skirts and trousers, at Tibi, where it alternated with the beautiful slip dresses and maxi blazers, and at Brandon Maxwell with a mix of very cool metallic finishes. The same iridescent effect distinguished some creations at Genny, where the colour of Spring 2023 is a perfect alternative to Barbiecore pink. At Veronica Beard, lavender once again appeared alongside lime green in the form of a short suit with matching platform heels, but it also works well with earthy tones like brown, ochre and burgundy. However, if you want the viewer to be breathless, choose this shade of purple better for dresses with intangible, light and transparent fabrics like the stunning, sexy but also somewhat romantic ones presented by Victoria Beckham, Emporio Armani, Cecilie Bahnsen and Prabal Gurung.