The Colour Red

It's the colour of rubies, of blood, of strawberries and of flushed faces: painted with embarrassment or fury. It's the imprinted joy on Santa Claus' cheeks when he's done his rounds on Christmas Eve. From Scarlet, Cardinal and Crimson to Vermilion, Maroon and Burgundy: there are so many shades to try and one to suit every complexion. Pink may be 'the colour' of the season, but it owes its tint to its older sibling: the colour red. 

Photo from Design Scene

Renowned for drenching their designs in opulent golds and other super luxe, jewel colours, Dolce & Gabbana worked a selection of dresses from their Autumn/Winter 2013 collection, in bold, cardinal red. The religiously affiliated shade, (originally worn by Catholic Cardinals), was marched down the catwalk: a fiery wave of elaborate decadence. Glistening with Italian heritage, lace and embroidery kept in line with the label's ever elegant aesthetic, and made me have heart palpitations as each design grew in its splendor and sparkle. 

Sadly, the price tags of a Dolce & Gabbana dress are a tiny bit out of my price range at £7000, (give or take a few pounds). So, I quickly turned to the high street in search of the ultimate red dress. Below is my selection of the ones ready to pack a punch:

The Dark Horse

Religon Olsen Maxi Dress £100

Delving into the darker side of red, is this burgundy chiffon dress by Religon. It has a charming simplicity about it, a blank canvas waiting to be decorated with copious amounts of jewelry: preferably in a metallic. It has an effortlessly cool, nonchalant feel that could work well with some black, chunky, gold buckled boots and a leather jacket. 

The Classic Rebellion

Glamorous Swing Shirt Dress, £25

I fell in love with this shirt dress immediately. Sling it on, button it up and you have a slightly androgynous, sleek outfit that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum laid back chic. 

The Morning Riser

ASOS Midi Dress With Obi Belt, £40

For a more relaxed, oriental approach, this kimono style dress from Asos is such a classic look, reinvented in a warm red. 

The Gothic Fairytale

Darling Amelia Lace Skater Dress £52.50

Beautifully crafted, this fit and flare dress intertwines romantic elements with a Gothic theatricality

Red On The Red Carpet

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Cheryl Cole in Zuhair Murad & Isla Fisher in Oscar De La Renta

Burgundy, or ruby red? Sequins or ruffles? High neck or bandeau neckline? Both Cheryl Cole and Isla Fisher looked beautiful in red dresses this year's Cannes Film Festival, proving the invigorating colour can be worn in so many different ways. 

Red is such an intense, emotive colour, never failing to strike a scorching hot cord with designers and celebrities alike. And yet, aside from the odd school's uniforms it doesn't seem to be getting as much appreciation as it deserves. Christmas is coming and I think we should join that famous red nosed reindeer and Santa; it's time to delve into the rich, seductive world of the colour red.