Classic escapism with camel hues

Designers have come through and brought back one of the most wearable, neutral colours seen in collections in years.

First spotted on the autumn/winter 2009 catwalk collections, the allure of camel colours are showing no signs of waning this season.  Designers have long been accused of not catering to our basic needs, since there is a lack of staple colour options which can look great throughout the year and be worn in both a professional and casual environment.

However this autumn/winter, designers seem to have come through and have brought back one of the most wearable and neutral colours seen in collections in years.

“Cognac, toffee and nutmeg are camel’s easiest allies.” This is now the season for real dressing, reminiscent of classic pieces and elegant colours. The camel colours is the frontrunner, as it blends in beautifully with the new minimalistic wardrobes that have taken the fashion world by storm.

This new trend echoes fond memories of classic movies such as The Thomas Crown Affair and its take on classic American fashion. The refined shapes mixed together with neutral palettes are so easy to submit oneself to that it’s hard to believe this movie was shot 42 years ago.

This streamlined simplicity shows us that designers are winning our hearts with seductive materials such as indulgent cashmere, supple leather and rich velvets and silks in this family of earth tones. This colour has also been depicted with animal prints to bring to life a dressed down camel coat or cashmere cardigan.

Many of this seasons looks are influenced by the camel theme. Designers like Chloe, Michael Kors and Tommy Hilfiger have all played into this theme.

This colour allows a lot of room for versatility to bring one’s personal style and tastes into the fashion equation. It is most flattering when worn with a 1970s suggestive silhouette.

It can be worn as a long beige kameez with colourful embroidered trousers and a shawl to keep you cosy in the chilly Pakistani winter.

Or you can opt for a western look by pairing together a bright cashmere jumper and this season’s leg-lengthening trousers for a touch of 1970s glamour.

So take part in this pure classic escapism and wear it with your own personal twist.

Iman’s Dos:

Invest in a pair of camel coloured trousers

Mix together different colour members of the camel/beige family

Keep it clean and classic

Accessorise with a long necklace or broach

Iman’s Don’ts:

Don’t apply heavy make-up

Be careful not to veer into frumpy

Stick to clean lines and classic camel pieces

Don’t wear with more than one print

Published in The Express Tribune, September 5^th, 2010.