After brighter-than-bright shades of pink and lime enjoyed their unexpected moment of glory last winter, a "rhapsody in blue" theme is now creating the perfect entrée into the new season.
This spring and summer's statement prints and colour blocks appear crisp and clean with the shades of blue that evoke blissful images ranging from beach vacations to certain symbols of immortality in China.
All shades of blue are looking strong in a saturated pastel palette, matched with richly textured piles of lace, cotton and sporty sweats.
Indeed, this season is all about sharply wearable pieces in turquoise, cobalt, baby blue, indigo, blue-purple tanzanite plus the "it" colours of spring sanctioned by global colour authority Pantone.
In its palette are such brilliant hues as "dazzling blue", a peppy shade of cobalt, and the lighter "process blue".
Dark blue has been the new black at Giorgio Armani for a number of seasons, although this spring's "it" shades go lighter, suiting artsy pop prints and romantic sheer lace alike.
Emporio Armani explored the many notes of light blue in two-piece suits and embellished dresses, combining blue with white and grey in a number of ensembles.
Armani's love affair with blue will indeed continue throughout next winter with notes of turquoise also on accessories.
At Prada, pop and graffiti-style geometric prints have their moment in the spotlight in bright blue.
Eye-popping blue also dominated Miuccia Prada's statement accessories, from sandals embellished with yellow Swarovski crystals to open-toe suede shoes and messenger bags.
Ermanno Scervino vied for geometric and origami-inspired silhouettes with pleated skirts and mini dresses in a pastel palette embracing turquoise.
Marni's bohemian floral prints made their way from art gallery to street smart in notes of baby and bright blue while Fendi chose process blue for its cult 2Jour and Fendista bags.
The round-the-clock appeal of blue struck a chord at Salvatore Ferragamo where key accessories - from the Florentine brand's cult Varina ballerinas to its bags - sparkled in notes of bright blue.
Roberto Botticelli's sexy python boots also went blue.
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