The future of style is looking grey



LONDON FASHION WEEK: Grey dominates the fashion world

This cool hue, soaring in popularity and featuring heavily on the catwalks, is set to stay says HANNAH BRITT.

WHEN Farrow & Ball released its bestselling Elephant’s Breath paint in 2005, it quickly became the go-to hue for interiors and the trend shows no sign of slowing down.

F&B now offers more than 20 shades of grey paint with more in the pipeline, while John Lewis’s sofa department boasts 42 grey fabrics.

Grey has also bled into hair colour, with Paper Towns actress Cara Delevingne being the latest celebrity to turn her locks silver.

With models now wearing it head to toe on the catwalks, it’s set to be a big trend next season.

From hair to homeware, our experts show you how to go grey.



SHINING EXAMPLE: Cara Delevingne and Lady Gaga go silver



Lighter shades are set to steal the show in interior design

GO GREY GRACEFULLY

If you thought letting your hair go grey was a no-no, then think again.

From singer Ellie Goulding to Lady Gaga, this year has seen a whole host of celebs opting for a grey “do”.

“It’s all about making a statement,” says Adam Reed, co-founder of hair salon Percy & Reed.

“Pastel shades of pink, purple and green proved popular last year but now the fashion-forward are opting for grey tones because they are more subtle and more natural.”

So popular is this trend that last month Amazon reported an 83 per cent rise in sales of grey hair dye.

Those who are naturally grey are also embracing the trend, including many younger women.

If you fancy taking the plunge, Adam advises heading to a salon where professionals will assess if your hair is suitable.

As toner is used to achieve the desired shade of grey, your hair has to be bleached beforehand to lighten your locks.

“If your hair is too dark, it may be impossible to get it light enough to tone silver without compromising the condition,” says Adam.

To freshen up your colour, use a silver shampoo such as the L’Oréal Professionnel Série Expert Silver Shampoo, £11.49 (feelunique.com).

This will reduce the build up that dulls hair and stop your grey from turning mauve.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

In the world of interiors, grey has overtaken cream and beige as the neutral tone of choice.

But for the season ahead, it’s the lighter shades that are set to steal the show.

“The trend has shifted from industrial and contemporary to a more feminine feel,” says Liz Mouat, head of buying at Laura Ashley.

“Dove Grey, a light, pretty shade, is by far our bestselling paint right now.”

To update the trend, Liz advises introducing some new textures to your décor.

“Freshen up a simple grey sofa or chair with a luxe, long pile rug and some lace cushions.”

When it comes to grey walls, modernise the look by covering one wall in a patterned paper.

“We have a Dove Grey wallpaper with small silver swans on it, which adds interest without being overwhelming,” says Liz.

FASHION FORWARD

On the autumn/winter catwalks, British brands Amanda Wakeley and Stella McCartney both sent models down their runways in entirely grey ensembles.

“Taking one shade of grey and wearing it top-to-toe was a big trend at London Fashion Week,” says NewsNewsBlog fashion stylist Emma Chandler.

“Layers are always popular in autumn but this year it’s all about wearing items of clothing in the same grey hue.

“And as pieces from the shows are just starting to trickle into stores, now is a good time to stock up.”

If that look sounds a bit daunting, there are other ways to make the trend work for you.

“Just choose a couple of items,” says Emma.

“For example, try matching a grey coat with a chunky scarf in the same shade.”

If you’re worried it will wash you out, try injecting some colour.

Burnt orange and pillarbox red both work really well with grey.

“Add some bright orange leather gloves or red lips,” says Emma, who recommends Urban Decay Matte Revolution lipstick in Temper, £15.50 (urbandecay.co.uk).

Nail the trend Pretty grey talons were spotted on many of the autumn/winter catwalk shows, including Paul Smith, whose models sported a dark grey leather-effect finish.

Over at Daks, light grey nails were splattered red and black for a painterly finish.

“Grey has had a surge in popularity as it is a universal colour that suits most skin tones,” says Lucy Tucker, celebrity nail artist for Morgan Taylor whose clients include Helena Christensen, Kate Beckinsale and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini.

As a neutral colour, grey will also complement most outfits – you just need to be clever and choose the right shade.

“Opt for shiny shades over matte as they look more sophisticated,” says Lucy.

Cool hues include the slate grey Chinchilly by Essie, £10.95 (selfridges.com).

Or for a metallic finish, use Midnight Merlot from the Nails Inc Alice & Olivia Collection, £15 (nailsinc.com).