Sick of the all-black outfit? Designers praise this colourful trend as an effortless way to look pulled together

Since taking the reins at Ferragamo in 2022, British designer Maximilian Davis has set a dramatic course as its creative director. There’s perhaps no better example of his ability to reinterpret wardrobe staples with relevance than the brand’s fall 2024 collection.
For the upcoming season, Davis touts the appeal of colour drenching. It’s a concept that’s captivated the home decor world via rooms layered in a similar hue. In a fashion context, colour drenching involves donning garments and accessories of one colour from top-to-toe. Decadent yet deeply wearable, the vibe is more understated than colour blocking a few disparate hues into one outfit but just as eye-catching.
As Toronto-based fashion stylist and costume designer Santanae Luzige says, it requires minimal effort to wake yourself out of the day-to-day doldrums of dressing. “It’s effortless, but it actually looks like you’re well put together,” Luzige says, pointing to New York-based designer Christopher John Rogers as another designer championing colour drenching to create maximum sartorial impact. Colour drenching also brings glad tidings to anyone in a rut of all-black attire. “For someone who wants to be able to get ready without thinking too much about it, the effect is just as flattering as wearing black,” Luzige adds. “But it’s more visually interesting.”
To colour drench confidently, it’s important to find pieces in shades that have been interpreted in different materials. “Colour drenching gives you a moment to play with texture and silhouette and proportion,” Luzige says. Quality is also important. Luzige affirms that the Ferragamo approach is the epitome of “quiet luxury,” and consideration should be made toward choosing a few core pieces in pumped up colours so they’ll be worn time and again.
The new Sling bag from McQueen by Seán McGirr done in a sumptuous berry-hued leather is a grand example, as are Loewe’s golden-brown sandals. Those who need to ease out of an all-black shadow can look to grey tones. “It’s chic and approachable,” Luzige says. Consider it a way to dip a toe into the waters before getting fully drenched.
VERY BERRY
If there’s one tone associated with Fall 2024′s colour drenching trend thanks to its heavy use in collections from Ferragamo to Gucci, it’s a fruity burgundy.
(Clockwise from top left) Heels, price on request at Bottega Veneta (bottegaveneta.com). McQueen by Seán McGirr bag, $2,880 at Alexander McQueen (alexandermcqueen.com). Heels, $1,050 at Ferragamo (ferragamo.com). Bag, price on request at Bottega Veneta. Cornelia James gloves, $329 through corneliajames.com.
GILT TRIP
Golden hues from tan to deep cognac are a classic watch to match your bag to your shoes – to your glasses to your everything else.
(Clockwise from top left) Bag, $10,700 at Hermès (hermes.com). Bag, $4,350 at Louis Vuitton (louisvuitton.com). Heels, $1,950 at Loewe (loewe.com). Poppy Barley loafers, $265 through poppybarley.com. Atelier Rora glasses, $490 each at eyewear retailers (atelierora.ca).
GREY SCALE
If black is your default all-over shade, try lightening things up with a mix of finishing touches in pewter, ash and oyster.
(Clockwise from top left) Boots, $2,160 at Louis Vuitton (louisvuitton.com). Hats, $280 to $290 at Lilliput Hats (lilliputhats.com). Michael Kors Collection bag, price on request at Michael Kors (michaelkors.com). Brave Leather belt, $105 through braveleather.com.
Styling by Odessa Paloma Parker. Sets and prop styling by Chad Burton at Cadre Artists. Photo assistant: Ness DeVos. Styling assistant: Leah Gust.