Red Reimagined: Why Every Runway Is Turning to Crimson, Rust, and Blood Tones
Photos below via © Bottega Veneta
Red, the color of passion, power, and danger, has always had a commanding presence in fashion. Yet, in recent seasons, we've seen the color take on deeper, more complex shades: crimson, rust, and blood tones are dominating the runway. This isn't just a temporary trend, it's a shift in how we view red. No longer just a signal of confidence, red has evolved into a symbol of transformation, rebellion, and emotional depth.
The Power of Red: A Historical Context
Red has always carried significance. From ancient Roman emperors draped in scarlet to revolutionary flags waving high, red has been a color of revolution. But in the modern context, its associations are evolving. Where once it was strictly associated with love or anger, today it conveys something more multifaceted: strength, vulnerability, defiance, and renewal.
The deep, almost gothic reds that have emerged recently suggest a connection to something more primal. This red isn't the bright, cheerful hue of Valentine’s Day—it’s a red with weight. These colors speak of the human experience: its joy, bloodshed, pain, and love.
Designers Who Are Making Red Their Signature
Dior (Maria Grazia Chiuri) – In her collections, Chiuri often incorporates bold, emotional reds. For example, her Spring/Summer 2024 collection featured rich, saturated crimson gowns that resonated with empowerment and inner strength.
Louis Vuitton (Nicolas Ghesquière) – Ghesquière’s reimagining of red includes fiery rusts, blending them with futuristic silhouettes to create a juxtaposition of old-world passion and modern innovation.
Valentino (Pierpaolo Piccioli) – Piccioli’s use of red is iconic. His “Valentino Red” is a statement of totality: it covers the body entirely, wrapping the wearer in emotional intensity and theatricality.
Givenchy (Matthew M. Williams) – Williams brings an edgier, darker red to the runway. His use of blood-red tones in leather and sleek tailoring adds a sense of modern-day rebellion to the traditional hue.
Bottega Veneta (Daniel Lee) – Lee’s interpretation of red is subtle yet impactful. Through sleek, minimalist designs paired with deep, earthy reds, he has redefined the color as an understated symbol of luxury and depth.
Red as a Symbol of the Self
The resurgence of red on the runway speaks to a deeper shift in fashion—a rejection of pastel perfection and a return to raw, unfiltered expression. Red's deeper shades, like rust and blood tones, evoke a sense of groundedness. These reds are earthier, more connected to the land and the human body, and thus more intimate. They are no longer reserved for the drama of red carpets—they are a part of daily life, an invitation to embrace our passions and imperfections.
Closing Thought
Red is no longer merely the color of power; it has evolved into a nuanced expression of human emotion and experience. Its shift into darker, more complex tones on the runway invites us to rethink how we view color and emotion in fashion. Red is not just bold, it’s visceral, and in 2025, it’s here to stay.
Photos below via © Bottega Veneta
