Cast your mind back to childhood and you may recall a host of standout fashion icons. The most memorable being Daphne Blake, of course, who graced our boxy TV screens with her cinched violet mini dress teamed with matching block heels.
Well, in a true full circle moment for millennial fashion insiders, purple colourways have come back around - saturating the spring/summer 2027 runways across the board.
Once reserved for royalty, purple’s regal reputation dates back to ancient sumptuary laws, which dictated what people could wear according to their social standing. Tyrian purple, made from the mucus of sea snails, was so laborious to produce that it became synonymous with wealth and power. In some societies, wearing the hue was quite literally a privilege of the crown.
© Getty ImagesThe colour’s royal connotations continued courtesy of Princess Diana’s wardrobe. The late royal famously wore a deep amethyst evening gown by Gianni Versace to a gala in Chicago in 1996. She wasn’t the only royal to embrace the shade, either: pop royalty David and Victoria Beckham made headlines in their matching purple wedding suits, cementing the colour’s place in the cultural canon.
Since the 90s, purple has continued to enjoy a starring role in the public eye, from the costume department of Euphoria to Kylie Jenner’s crystal-embellished Versace gown and matching lilac hair at the 2019 Met Gala.
Discover our favourite purple looks from fashion month spring/summer 2027 below.
Best purple looks from the SS27 runways:
Agro Studios
Agro Studios platformed fishtail skirts, aubergine-tinted balletcore layers, crystal-clad partywear pieces and ombréd tutu skirts.
Ashley Williams
Shapeless silhouettes, pastel hues and retro styles were spotlighted at Ashley Williams.
Bora Aksu
Bora Aksu recycled its signature whimsical style for SS27, debuting air-light tulle and organza layers, lace trims and fairytale accessories in lilac shades.
Balmain
Balmain showcased sexed-up silhouettes such as slinky midis finished with patent croc-print in glitzy grape palettes.
Bottega Veneta
Move over apple green, Bottega has a new favourite flavour of the month. The brand funnelled looped lilac skirts down its latest runway, teamed with darker hued crochet caps - a triumph for Louise Trotter.
Geordie Campbell
Geordie Campbell closed his SS27 runway with an unmissable violet look, marrying utilitarianism with XL pockets and dropped, belted silhouettes.
Gucci
Demna opted for ultra-lightweight, sheer silk chiffon layers in purple for Gucci's SS27 offering, worn over a matching two-piece undergarment set.
KNWLS
The ultimate party-girl brand, KNWLS leaned into lilac hues this season, delivering fluid mini dresses with delicate lace layers and a dose of undone styling.
Edeline Lee
This season, Edeline Lee took us to the ballet. Pale purple dresses featuring refined, structured silhouettes with belted waistbands, candy cane stripes and preppy pleats took to the floor of a North London school gym.
Dries Van Noten
Dries Van Noten came to party this season, serving up undone glamour and maximalism through cool-girl styling, aubergine mesh layers and the brand’s signature sprinkling of floral embellishment.
Erdem
Despite only debuting one purple look this season, Erdem's lilac fringed gown with contrasting tangerine-toned floral embroidery left a lasting impression.
Marni
Great news for those with an aversion to ironing - crinkles are officially in according to Marni. The Italian label made a case for muted heather tones and mini silhouettes.
Prada
Prada revived its signature skirt silhouette for spring/summer 2027, sending 63 midi options down the runway - pleated leather A-lines with purple panels very much included.
Simone Rocha
Staged in the Old Bailey in London, Simone Rocha's SS27 offering delivered a lesson in sartorial romance. Pale, lavender palettes, coquettish bow motifs and voluminous silhouettes took centre stage.
Tory Burch
Tory Burch explored offbeat elegance through sculptural corsetry, brocaded florals, web-like lace and rich velvets in a spectrum of moody purples.
