From Rihanna’s Super Bowl look to Doja Cat covered in crimson crystals, red has become the power colour of the moment

You probably didn’t need to see a scarlet Loewe-jumpsuit-clad Rihanna standing on a floating platform over the Super Bowl to tell you red is having a moment. It’s true that the It colour worked well for Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day in the past month, but it hasn’t stopped there. Between the Astro Boy-inspired cartoon rubber boots by streetwear brand MSCHF that have dominated social media during fashion month and the fact every awards show so far has seen an array of celebs wearing the bold primary, red is officially the power colour du jour.

Unlike many of the recent #trending colours (we’re talking to you, Barbie pink), red is timeless, exuding eternal confidence and elegance. It’s a forever classic, whether it’s a painted on your lips or a worn as a dress à la Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman.” As Coco Chanel famously proclaimed, “Red is the colour of life, of blood.” There is no other shade on the colour wheel that evokes such feeling.

Red also made a big splash on the Spring 2023 runways. Michael Kors showcased a number of monochromatic scarlet looks, from mini dresses complete with matching scarves, tote bags and gladiator heels to floor-dusting gowns. Maximilian Davis presented the fashion world a new era of Ferragamo with sensual outfits that colour-matched to the red carpeted Italian seminary courtyard venue. Over in Paris, Jonathan Anderson’s surrealist Loewe collection featured models in anthurium-embellished tops, dresses and petal-shaped heels, while Pier Paolo Piccioli went back to the house’s iconic Valentino Red this season, moving on from his PP Pink that helped sparked #Barbiecore.

Celebrity stylists are clearly seeing red, with many A-listers wearing the standout colour for the red carpet step and repeat. At the Grammys, Pharrell, Sam Smith and Kim Petras (and their entire entourage) all showed up looking striking in the colour. Florence Pugh arrived at the London Critics’ Circle Film Awards in a statement-making Robert Wun peplum look that was straight off his Spring 2023 Couture Week runway. And we can’t forget Doja Cat’s literal head-to-toe red diamanté look at the Schiaparelli couture show.

Want to incorporate the power colour into your spring wardrobe? From retro sunglasses to cloud-like boots, here are 10 ways to inject your closet with fiery red tones this upcoming season. Hey Alexa, play Chris De Burgh’s “Lady in Red.”

SHOP THE LOOK

The Rihanna-approved red lipstick

Fenty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in H.B.I.C, $38, sephora.ca SHOP HERE

Still can’t stop thinking about Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance, makeup and all? You and us both. The customized Alaïa and Loewe look might not be the easiest to replicate, but her flawless beauty look (including the iconic Rihanna red lip) is easy to nab, especially when we know the exact product she used. Rih’s perfect red lip was the velvety, long-lasting liquid lipstick seen above in a universally flattering (and power) red shade.

The red pants

Mango pants, $70, shop.mango.com SHOP HERE

Switch it up in the pants department and say yes to a pair of red pants this spring. All eyes will be on you when you wear them with a matching sweater (or the below sports bra) for a head-to-toe red look. But colour blocking it with blue pinstripe shirt or a simple white T-shirt would be equally be stunning.

The red sports bra

Lululemon sports bra, $54, lululemon.com SHOP HERE

Although this sports bra is designed for wearing at the gym, we say it could be worn (and is comfortable enough) to your non-gym outings. Style it with a blazer or white shirt overtop or rock it on its own when the mercury rises.

The red sandals

CL by Laundry shoes, $70, theshoecompany.ca SHOP HERE

Sandal season is just around the corner, and when it arrives, you’ll be glad you have these block-heeled sandals at the ready. Top off your fiery monochromatic look with these heels, or rock the trend in a subtle way with your favourite white T-shirt and jeans combo.

The red swimsuit

Andie swimsuit, $98, andieswim.com SHOP HERE

It may not be swimsuit season just yet, but this red button-up swimsuit can moonlight as a chic bodysuit until then. With its opaque lining, comfortable ribbed texture and supportive inner shelf (removable cups included!) no wonder The Kit’s features director, Rani Sheen, declared it the best one-piece swimsuit ever.

The red puffer vest

Canada Goose vest, $550, canadagoose.com. SHOP HERE

Winter is on its way out, but knowing Canadian spring, it’ll be too chilly to forgo the outerwear altogether. Find middle ground and rock a puffer vest over a knit sweater to keep the core warm, while standing out from the rest of the crowd.

The red sunglasses

Yunada sunglasses, $25, walmart.ca SHOP HERE

Add a splash of red to your overall look with these retro-inspired cat-eye sunglasses.

The red boots

Baffin boots, $120, baffin.com SHOP HERE

If you’re manifesting spring, a pair of boots likely does not top your ” I Need” list — but hear me out. Aptly named Campfire boots, these Baffin hybrid boots feature a sole that can withstand walks outside with the dog, but they’re cushy enough to be your house shoes at the cottage this summer.

The red eye makeup

Chanel Les 4 Rouges Yeux et Joues, $130, chanel.com (available March 1) SHOP HERE

Chanel is dedicating its upcoming Spring 2023 makeup collection to the founder’s favourite colour, red. While the collection features a red lipstick (in its iconic packaging), as well as a red-hued mascara and a highlighter balm, it’s the new giant palette that’s caught our eye (pun not intended). This palette can be applied it to your eyes, cheeks and temples to create a beautiful monochromatic look.

The red fashion splurge bag

Comme des Garçons Girl bag, $284 (originally $630), ssense.com SHOP HERE

As our spring 2023 bag trend report showed, fashion should be fun. Give your practical totes and crossbody bags a much-needed break, and add a pop of colour and whimsy to your look with this flower-shaped red top handle. But hurry, the bag is currently 55 per cent off at Ssense, so definitely take advantage of the price drop while you can.

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