From Bloodstone to Liminal Yellow: WGSN and Coloro unveil five key colours for AW28/29

Trend forecaster WGSN and its colour-centric partner Coloro are looking ahead to AW28/29, unveiling five key colours expected to influence consumer industries in 2028 and beyond. The selection includes Bloodstone, Liminal Yellow, Elemental Verdigris, Healing Turmeric and Smoky Amethyst.

The palette explores how colour is becoming a more intentional choice as consumers seek emotional grounding, self-expression and resilience while approaching a new decade. According to WGSN, purchasing decisions are increasingly shaped by emotional return on investment, sincerity and longevity, prompting colour strategies to balance stability with moments of delight.

The five shades, selected from Coloro’s library of more than 3,500 hues, reflect themes of human connection, restorative wellness and optimism, while offering versatility across different aesthetics and seasons.

Speaking on the selection, Gemma Riberti, director of colour, materials and finishes (CMF) at WGSN, said: “This is a season where intentional contrast and the overall need for human anchoring were particularly significant: consumers will be navigating the threshold of a new decade, and this sense of liminality informs the palette. Duality, versatility and trans-seasonality lead the colours, allowing them to adapt across contrasting pairings to take on shifting personalities.”

Bloodstone (011-27-26)

Selected as the anchor shade of the season, Bloodstone is a deep, iron-oxide red intended to evoke a sense of intensity and reconnect consumers with what makes them feel alive. The shade reflects the tension and contradictions of an unpredictable world, while emphasising the importance of human presence and emotional connection.

Liminal Yellow (046-75-28)

Drawing cues from the hit A24 horror film Backrooms, Liminal Yellow holds a transitional existence that reflects the tension between comfort and unease, as well as the possibilities that emerge during periods of change.

WGSN identified the shade as relevant to younger consumers influenced by internet culture and experiencing digital fatigue. Its hazy appearance serves as a counterpoint to sensory overstimulation, while its versatility allows it to appeal across aesthetics.

Of the hue, Riberti said: "One of the most interesting conversations we have had in the workshop for this AW selection includes Liminal Yellow. The name speaks for itself: it is defined by being ‘in-between’ two shades and two states, it is able to convey both familiar warmth and a slightly unsettling, subversive quality. Liminal Yellow resonates strongly with younger generations that draw from collective internet culture with a sense of digital fatigue, and its haziness helps counterbalance the sensory overstimulation.”

Elemental Verdigris (091-55-12)

This weathered blue-green shade responds to growing interest in restoration and the search for calm in an overstimulating world. Its depth looks to convey a sense of preservation, suggesting objects that have been purposefully maintained and cared for over time. The colour therefore aligns with consumer interest in longevity and tangible evidence of quality, offering a visual expression of products designed to endure.

Healing Turmeric (030-70-36)

Healing Turmeric introduces a luminous yellow-orange hue to the palette, combining vibrancy with a sense of reassurance. The shade is intended to encourage confident action and signal new beginnings as consumers approach 2029. According to WGSN, its balance of energy and comfort reflects a desire for optimism without sacrificing emotional stability.

Smoky Amethyst (146-36-10)

Smoky Amethyst is a dusky purple that bridges contrasting moods through its multifaceted appearance. Associated with spirituality and calm, the shade is positioned as a way to create a sense of sanctuary and soften the senses. Its qualities make it suitable for products and immersive environments designed to offer comfort and escapism.