Purple Fashion Accessories

On the red carpet, Leona Lewis was wrapped up in a rich yet dainty lilac number by Roberto Cavalli. Sandra Bullock played with both bold hues and fun texture in Bottega Veneta, while Jane Krakowski draped herself in a royal purple, one-shouldered dress by J. Mendel.

Purple Facts

Purple is a colour full of symbolism and a long association with royalty. The colour purple denotes affluence, supremacy, dominance and magnificent opulence.

Purple is also associated with spirituality, mystery and pacification. The stone is believed to protect wearers from getting too intoxicated with alcohol. A good quality amethyst will be a rich deep purple gem, but paler tones of lilacs to rose amethysts are available to suit many tastes and price ranges. The amethyst birthstone is very hard wearing and this makes it a good jewellery buy.

The amethyst is the stone of Saint Valentine and was once the stone of Royals as purple was the colour of power. It is the perfect gemstone to give as a Valentines jewellery gift on Saint Valentine's Day, celebrated on 14 February each year.

Tones of purple can be used as a mourning colour instead of black or white.

Short Evening Dresses

Sometimes you need an occasion dress that is not as formal as a full length or maxi gown. Treat yourself to a luxury dress from Emma Somerset. What could be more stunning than this Parma violet short cocktail dress by Escada.

Purple Evening Dresses

This specialist evening and special occasion wear label creates striking effects with an impressive combination of materials, using different lengths and layering effects to give the collection a distinctly modern feel.

Purple Tops

A purple top or tunic is an easy and low cost way to add some purple colour into your wardrobe. The loose easy bandeau top below left is from Internacionale. The purple and black top shown below right is from New Look. With the sequin trim, both would make ideal clubbing wear for the party season. Both tops also look roomy enough to eat a full meal out and remain feeling comfortable all evening.

Latest Fashion Trends in Purple

One of the strongest clothing colourations this season belongs to the purple family. Purples ranging from inky deep Parma violet, warmer purples through mauve to tonally related puce and magenta (Tyrian purple) have all taken the whim of the designers.

These garments left are just a small selection of all the purple and puce toned items available this autumn in the high street. Purple is such a rich colour that it looks particularly sumptuous in rich satins and plush velvet fabrics.