Forty shades of green

The new year is firmly underway and the billions of people on this planet are moving forward into increasingly uncertain times, carrying forward their hopes, fears and aspirations. Everyone is looking to start afresh in various ways and the fashion industry is looking to do its bit to bring in a bit of cheer and lots of optimism among dark clouds of gloom.

Pantone, which calls itself ‘the global colour authority’, declared ‘greenery’ as the colour of the year for 2017, a bright and zesty shade that will ‘evoke the first days of spring’, according to the company. And this is no laughing matter; Pantone’s colour will set trends in all aspects of design — architecture, interior décor, fashion, food, travel and so on. So green it is for the coming year — the green of nature, of freshness and of hope. Considering that we need all the cheering up we can get, everyone has welcomed this Sidhika Gupta, Fashion Head, Roposo, says “Pantone declared ‘greenery’ as the colour for the year 2017. This yellow-green colour seeks to revive, restore and renew in the coming year. The vivid and verdant green is a real show-stopper and symbolises new beginnings in pursuit of a fresh start, reassuring health, and stability in our otherwise tremulous environment. Embrace the stark green in cleaner silhouettes of a shift dress or tunic top. For a more mindful use, opt to highlight it in accessories — like an infinity scarf, solid wayfarer, studded clutch, or as an accent to your outfit.”

Tanya Khurana, fashion blogger, says, “The colour is a versatile, trans-seasonal shade that will lend itself to many colour combinations. ‘Greenery’ can be paired with all kinds of hues like neutrals, brights, deeper shades, pastels , metallics and so on.” While there is an apprehension that green may not suit all colours, it is the perfect shade for Indians, says stylist Isha Bhansali. “This colour will definitely suit and complement the Indian skin tone. And green on the red carpet is a perfect alternative to the usual black.”

Talking about the shades of this colour that are currently doing the rounds, Isha adds, “Military is the colour of the moment with it’s utilitarian and sporty vibe. It is manifesting itself in many ways, both in dresses and accessories.” Green is also inching its way into the makeup kit, says Arpita B, an aspiring actor. “It will take a little getting used to but it is not as vivid a colour as it is made out to be. It displays one’s boldness and willingness to experiment. Hair, lips, eyes and nails — a hint of green on any of these will certainly turn a few heads.”

“Pale skin will compliment a cooler and toned down version of the shade while darker skin tones can go for the bolder shades. The rest of the face should be kept as neutral as possible to highlight this shade. In case of nail colour, go for as bright shades as possible — the bolder, the better.” “I would love to style this colour with a metallic hue or deeper shades of itself. And instead of going all western, it will be great to do it up in a more indo-western way. ‘Kurtis’ or salwar suits with a hint of green mixed with some vibrant Indian colours will look good on almost anyone,” says Tanya.