Fashion designers don’t invent colours but luxury labels tend to lead the charge when it comes to shades reaching cult status. In 2021 Bottega popularised Kelly green, while Valentino initiated last year’s craze for Barbie pink. In 2023, Versace is proving the power of pansy purple.

Sitting somewhere between deep indigo and a punchy grape, the blueish hue is bold and sophisticated, eschewing the warmth of some purple shades for a much cooler undertone. This edginess is perhaps why the colour became the focal point of Versace’s Spring/Summer ’23 presentation in Milan, where purple lights accentuated the collection’s goth bride aesthetic.

From ruffle tie tops with satin mini skirts to hooded latex looks and sheer dresses, the colour dominated the catwalk. Bella Hadid even debuted a head-to-toe violet wedding dress, complete with lace veil. Following the recent release of the Italian fashion house’s Dylan Purple fragrance, it’s clear the shade has the Versace seal of approval. Other labels seem to feel the same, with the hue visible in collections from Jacquemus to Stand Studio.

Like the vibrancy of a purple pansy or the brightness of fresh lavender, the hue lends itself to the arrival of spring. Plenty of high street brands have also jumped on the colour, with everything from statement dresses to sweater vests available in the head-turning shade.

If adding a pop of purple to your spring wardrobe sounds like a good idea, click through the slideshow ahead.

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COS Knitted Midi Dress, $, available at COS

Versace Medusa Biggie Cargo Mini Skirt, $, available at Versace

JJXX Jamie Oversized Poplin Shirt in Purple, $, available at ASOS

Jacquemus La Veste Piloni Cropped Fur Jacket, $, available at LUISAVIAROMA

Zara Cropped Knit High Neck Sweater, $, available at Zara

Loewe Purple Brushed Scarf, $, available at Browns

ONLY Petite Roll Neck Mini Jumper Dress with Split Detail, $, available at ASOS

Stand Studio Fringe Jacket, $, available at Stand Studio

Tyler McGillivary Purple Pansy Top, $, available at Tyler McGillivary

H&M Knitted Bodycon Dress, $, available at H&M

Poppy Lissiman Krawsant Satchel, $, available at Poppy Lissiman

Poster Girl Miranda Dress x Browns, $, available at Poster Girl

Sergio Hudson Wool-Crepe Wide-Leg Pants, $, available at Net-A-Porter

Mango Short Knitted Dress, $, available at Mango

Le Petit Trou Amour Flocked Tulle Soft-Cup Bra, $, available at Net-A-Porter

Mergim Kira Crystal Long Sleeved Top, $, available at Mergim

Holzweiler Mini Beanie Purple, $, available at Holzweiler

Rat & Boa Aphrodite Blouse, $, available at Rat & Boa

Reclaimed Vintage Inspired Mini Kilt Skirt with Hardware Detail Co-ord, $, available at ASOS

House of CB Colette, $, available at House of CB

Pieces Curve Blazer & Tailored Trousers Co-ord in Purple Check, $, available at ASOS

Adidas Orketro, $, available at & Other Stories

Laagam Coat Ozzy Purple, $, available at Laagam

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