Pink fashion for grown ups

Think pink: the rosiest shade is everywhere this autumn

The Chanel 19 bag collection made its catwalk debut for autumn/winter 19
Pink, you might think, is a hue best reserved for the summer months. And it's true, strong sunshine certainly does make shades on the rosy side of the spectrum look just so. But, as we enter the cruel, cold months of winter, there's no need to pack your favourite pink items away.


From left: Sweater £675, Christopher Kane; Camisole £195, Theory; Double-breasted blazer £750,
Bella Freud

In fact, the autumn/winter 19 catwalks were liberally doused in pink, with shades ranging from palest peony to fuchsia via salmon, dusty, rose and neon presented by brands such as Chanel, Alexander McQueen and Roksanda.

London designer Molly Goddard sent Instagram into overdrive with a supersized version of the grown-up party frock so chillingly modelled by Villanelle in the first series of Killing Eve.


Clockwise from left: Blouse £450, Roksanda; Jeans £260, Acne Studios; Arti Bang lace triangle bra £270, Eres; Bloomer organic cotton briefs £60, Loup Charmant

Sure, at this point the pretty, pale shade that came to be dubbed 'millenial pink' in 2016 is something of a cliche - appearing on Insta-bait beauty packaging, restaurant interior schemes and new homewares. But, ubiquitous as it might now be, the love affair endures.

Perhaps it's precisely because pink was an off-limits colour for so long, in part due to its links with femininity - a side of themselves many women felt they had to hide in order to succeed - that it's so readily embraced now, in this age of female uprising.



From left: Faux shearling coat £135, & Other Stories; Trainers £139, Whistles; Rose puffer jacket £55, Topshop

Pink's reputation has also been damaged in the past by celebrity fans - most notably Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson and Jordan - who, whether accurately or not, were seen as vapid, bad role models, not the right sort of girl.

But, this is 2019, and pink has come a long way towards redemption. Rihanna wears pink with aplomb, so does the Duchess of Cambridge.

Nancy Pelosi the 79-year-old Speaker of the US House of Representatives famously favours pink, proving that it is no longer 'just for girls' and can be worn proudly at any age.


From left: Cotton T-shirt £400, Gucci; Utility jacket £125, Arket; Flared trousers £190,
Stine Goya

Barbie, the blonde, unrealistically-proportioned plastic doll practically synonymous with pink was once used as an insult. Today she has been embraced as a symbol of woman-power thanks to her wealth of careers, family of inclusive shaped dolls and a recent high-fashion makeover.

While nobody is suggesting you have to head out in top-to-toe Pepto Bismol, a soft pink will look great with shades of brown for a Seventies-inspired take, while a pop of fuchsia stands proud against simple black.




From left: Double-breasted blazer £315, Weekend by MaxMara; Cotton-corduroy midi-dress £775, The Vampire's Wife; Cashmere and cotton turtleneck £980, Alanui

In fact, pink is such a surefire hit that when Chanel decided to debut its new Chanel 19 bag collection for autumn/winter 19 it made sure to do so with multiple pink versions in tweed and jersey, offsetting head-to-toe pink looks with aplomb.



Clockwise from left: Milena cape-sleeve satin maxi dress £1,795, Roksanda; Chanel 19 wallet on chain & coin purse £2,640, Chanel; Love 100 two-tone matte and patent leather pumps £550, Jimmy Choo; Chanel 19 waist bag £2,810, Chanel; Kiki neon patent leather pumps £475, Saint Laurent

The 19 Bag, by the way, is already a huge hit, thanks to the multiple sizes and variations which all combine a chunky three-toned metal chain interlaced with leather, signature quilting and double C logo hardware. New styles are set to be released in late November, just in time to add to your Christmas wish list.

The new season collections are perfectly pretty in pink. Take your pick from fuzzy shearling jackets, elegant blouses, cool tailoring and statement knits.

Whatever shade you choose, keep your head high, and wear your pink with pride.
TRY CULTURE WHISPER
Receive free tickets & insider tips to unlock the best of London — direct to your inbox



You may also like: