If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.
Seeing red? We mean that in the literal sense. It’s rare for a color to simultaneously trend across fashion, beauty and home design, let alone one that’s so bold and striking.
When Audrey Hepburn said, “There is a shade of red for every woman,” one could imagine the “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” star was within eyeshot of a wine rack. The versatility of this deep, rich range of red pigments — from burgundy and Bordeaux to dark berry and oxblood — makes the intense primal color an appealing addition or accent to your wardrobe, living space and makeup routine without provoking a case of the “mean reds.”
Sabato De Sarno’s Gucci debut with the creation of the Gucci Rosso red is case in point. The deep shade of red seamlessly appeared throughout the runway collection, paired with everything from pastels and neutrals to denim and neon numbers. Though the color’s symbolic presence — often associated with confidence, passion, sophistication and ambition — made it an apt choice for De Sarno’s stamp on the storied fashion house, the rich red is surprisingly wearable, as it pairs well with warm and cool tones.
Long before Gucci Rosso, Hermès created Rouge H, a seductive red hue with a dash of brown that looks just as luxurious and elegant on Epsom leather as it does in a glossy, smooth nail lacquer. Adding a burgundy or mulberry touch to your lips before you paint the town red will brighten both your complexion and pearly whites, regardless of your shade of skin tone. For a unique take on the trend, take a cue from Cardi B at Balenciaga’s fall 2024 show and dare to wear a dark red ombré lip.
This choose-your-own-adventure color palette has also been a source of inspiration for interior decorators. Dubbed the “Unexpected Red Theory” on TikTok, adding touches of vivid red decor can easily liven up quiet abodes, especially rooms with earth tones and dusty muted shades. Minimalist or maximalist, modern or contemporary, there’s a red shade for any interior design aesthetic.
Now, let’s roll out the red carpet for these dark ruby gems.
Lee Broom, Fashioning Design Book
Price upon publish date of this article: $44.96
Chanel Les 4 Rouges Yeux Et Joues in Caractère
Price upon publish date of this article: $90
Hermès Les Mains Hermes Rouge H Nail Polish
Price upon publish date of this article: $57
Gucci Signoria Slingback Pumps
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,100
Rejuvenation Como Rechargeable LED Table Lamp in Red Brown
Price upon publish date of this article: $365
MoMA Design Store Two-Way Side Table
Price upon publish date of this article: $195
Loewe Small Beetroot Candle
Price upon publish date of this article: $120
Ferragamo Hug Handbag
Price upon publish date of this article: $3,400
Emi Jay Big Effing Clip In Bordeaux
Price upon publish date of this article: $34
Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Colour in Velvet Myth
Price upon publish date of this article: $36
Aerin Noe Cashmere Scarf
Price upon publish date of this article: $90
Maiden Home The Remsen Chair
Price upon publish date of this article: $2,950