The colour-block trend returned to the runway in 2009 after a long sojourn, and back then, even the highest-ranking trend leader wouldn't expect it to remain on the style radar for long.
Four seasons on, colour-blocking continues to be around. Like all the boldest looks, it started with women's wear before being experimented with by its male counterpart. As some of the most stylish men believe there's nothing more empowering style-wise than being able to ride on the current trends alongside their female counterparts in the very same season. It's always been a challenge for designers to reinterpret those trends in a much more subtle way to ensure men don't try to emulate David Beckham in a sarong when they're trying to enjoy a metallic, lace, pleats and prints ensemble.
Spring/summer 2011 marked the high point of colour-blocking in terms of colour intensity. The paired palette are boldly contrasting, mostly in primary colours whether in Tommy Hilfiger, Prada, Jil Sander, Gucci or Calvin Klein. Reaching its climactic saturation that very season, the trend is going through a cooling down phase, but shows no sign of going away. Colour-blocking since the summer of 2012 has matured in a more sophisticated direction. There's a combination with prints and the use of subtle shades, as well as experimentation with asymmetric/diagonal blocking.
BALENCIAGA
In terms of colour, subdued and more sophisticated shades come with the maturity of the trends. As of spring/summer 2012, the brightest primary palette is giving way to dominant pastels (yes, even for men) and more earthly, natural tones.
So, colour-blocking in a deep, sophisticated autumn palette comes as no surprise when the leaves turn brown and the cool breeze starts to blow.
As autumn arrives, the palette used for colour-blocking takes after the colour variations of leaves that turn from forest green to brown, with olive green, dark mustard and burgundy as the key colours, contrasted with navy, midnight blue, khaki and this season's favourites, camel and purple.
Unlike the colour-blocking of spring/summer when the cut is tailored to the body, or funky, colour-blocking in autumn comes with a slightly looser silhouette, and much thicker textures. Materials like velvet and corduroy are used in several looks to accentuate the autumnal feel of the colour. Some brands _ Burberry Prorsum, and Prada _ have opted to tone down the warmth of the colours by using fabrics that are sheen, making the look more glamorous and befitting an evening party.
As the trend is easing up, it's more fun to incorporate some little prints into the ensemble. While the likes of Issey Miyake play with small prints on blocked tops and bottoms that might look like solid colour-blocking from afar, several designers use prints in the inner piece to freshen up the trend, like a gingham shirt underneath a burgundy jacket, burnt orange trousers and a matching necktie. For those who prefer staying with the solid, the use of textural contrasts like pairing olive green chunky knit underneath a blue suit like at Kenzo could be an option.
