The Feminist Charge Behind Lilac’s Summer Reign 💜📿👟
Summer’s palette has never been shy, but this season, one shade is rewriting the rules in full view: Lilac.
From rose pink to powder blue, pastels have long owned the warmer months. But this summer, lilac has stepped forward with quiet authority, cutting through the candyfloss haze to declare its moment. It’s not loud, but it lingers. Not demanding, yet impossible to ignore.
For years, lilac has lingered in the background, seen as too cool-toned, too subdued, or simply too forgettable. But Summer 2025 begs to differ. Brands have not just embraced it; they’ve cast it centre stage. A colour story that feels both nostalgic and unapologetically new.
I’ve always gravitated toward deeper tones. But even I must admit: the right shade of lilac can hit like a thunderclap in a heatwave. From high street to haute couture, purple is no longer a footnote – it’s the headline.
And it’s not just fashion that’s feeling the lilac effect. Fragrance is flirting with the hue too. Chanel’s latest scent, Chance Eau Splendide, is a fruity-floral reverie that bottles effortless femininity and magnetic allure. The campaign, drenched in purple and directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, stars Angèle, who composed an original track for the film. The entire concept leans into whimsy and wonder, proving once again that colour is more than aesthetic – it's atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Louis Vuitton delivered a punchy counterpoint with eLVes Louis Vuitton, a fragrance described as armour for the modern woman. Crafted by Jacques Cavallier, it’s a scent that balances softness and steel, wearing its lilac leanings with quiet power. It doesn’t whisper; it resonates.
Jewellery isn’t immune either. Swarovski’s ‘Play with Purple’ collection, fronted by Ariana Grande, is elegance with an edge. Lavender-toned stones set in rich gold prove that lilac can be both delicate and defiant. The Millenia earrings and Tennis chokers catch light like they were born to own it.
On the runways, lilac ruled in full force. Versace’s Spring/Summer 2025 show exploded in funky prints and bold silhouettes, with nearly every look infused with a nod to the disco era and the season’s signature shade. Lilac felt less like a colour and more like a revolution.
Elie Saab took the opposite route, softening the tone but dialling up the drama. Lavender gowns walked the bridal runway with ethereal confidence, shimmering with hand-embellished detailing and storytelling finesse. These dresses didn’t just wear lilac; they embodied it.
From fragrance to fashion, jewellery to couture, lilac has found its form across every creative discipline. But this isn’t just a colour trend, it’s a cultural cue. In a time when brands are navigating pressure to remain relevant without losing themselves, Lilac offers a palette for reinvention.
Every colour tells a story. White whispers purity. Red roars passion. Black cloaks itself in mystery. Lilac? It speaks of strength through softness. Of femininity as a form of resilience. In 2025, it’s more than a seasonal shade. It’s a mood, a message, a movement. So, the question isn’t whether lilac suits you. It’s how you’ll make it your own.
