Dan's Papers - August 22, 2008

Every shade of purple is in this fall. Hues of lavender, plum, eggplant, orchid, violet and regal purple have been a strong part of many collections. From shoes and handbags to scarves and leather accessories, purple is the way to go.

Wearing purple from head to toe might be pushing it, but layering several shades and accessorizing an outfit offers a powerful statement. Purple signifies magic, mystery and royalty. It is a color that evokes a sense of peace and spirituality. Purple is also widely used for meditation purposes and is believed to bring out our creative and imaginative side.

Each year Pantone releases the top ten hot colors for the fashion industry to follow. It was no surprise that this year's New York Fall Fashion Week displayed and array of purple shades as well as a few others including; blue iris (with an undertone of purple), caribbean blue, royal lilac, twilight blue, shady glade, aurora red, withered rose, burnt orange, ochre and shitake.

Oscar De La Renta, Donna Karan (DKNY), Diane Von Furstenberg and Prada have made use of the popular color in their 2008 collections. Prada has always incorporated purple in to their collections and this year is no different. Check out the purple suede shoe booties (priced at $595), purple suede pumps (priced at $595), Tessuto P clutch (priced at $640 available in violet or gray) or Prada's Vitello Daino tote (priced at $1,095 - available in gunmetal or violet.) One of my favorite items in this year's Prada collection is a Faux Croc zip front jacket (with a double zipper exposure, ruched waist, elastic cuffs and side slash zipper pockets- priced at $1,295.) If you just want to add a splash of color pair Prada's ribbed Lana Coste purple tights (priced at $155) with a rib mock turtleneck sweater (in black -priced at $496) and pucker pencil skirt (also in black - priced at $525.)

There are so many ways to create that "Purple Haze" look you want to achieve. Try adding a purple accessory to a black ensemble. Purple belts, pumps, scarves and jewelry can really add a subtle touch for those of you who may only want a splash of color. A few hot picks to consider include; Loro Piana (cashmere stola with a fringe, available in grape-priced at $595), Dolce & Gabbana (Raquel convertible shopper, available in violet-priced at $945), Kokin Collections (upsweep ombre hat, available in purple-priced at $245), Emilio Pucci (cosmo rainboot, priced at $175) and Jimmy Choo (Mary Jane leather round toe- priced at $760.) You will find any of the above mentioned on Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus or Bergdorf Goodman websites. Don't forget to shop around town and check out Dan's Insider Guide for a full listing of shops and boutiques.

The bottom line is, you can't go wrong this season wearing purple. Remember, purple was a favorite color of Cleopatra, is worn by royalty to distinct high rankings and purple hearts are given to honor soldiers who are wounded during war.

This year's Oscar post-party was hosted by no other than Mr. "Purple Rain" himself, Prince (singer/songwriter) required that all guests wear the color purple including the likes of; John Travolta, Johnny Depp and George Clooney. He even went as far as serving purple drinks and hors derves.