Fashion - Orange is the new black this summer

Vibrant hue takes over clothes and accessories

(ANSA) - Rome, July 21 - The creators of new cult Netflix series Orange is the New Black might not have realized they were predicting a major fashion moment this summer when they conceived the show's title. Yet as the tale of Piper Chapman - created by Jenij Kohan of Weeds fame - is taking over audiences, and fans are eagerly anticipating the 2015 release date of Season 3, this fiery hue is everywhere. Just like sure-fire black, orange is this season's it-colour for the daring fashionista - peppering a wide number of designer outfits, from cocktail dresses and suits to accessories.

A first hint that orange could likely become fashion's new black this summer came from across the Atlantic Ocean, as New York designers debuting their spring-summer 2014 women's wear collections ahead of European fashion weeks proved this shade can make a statement to suit any occasion - much like black. Proponents included Costello Tagliapietra, Christian Siriano, Rebecca Minkoff, Jenny Packham and Zac Posen. And as the tale of Chapman - a New Yorker sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for carrying a suitcase of money to her drug smuggler ex-girlfriend - was unfolding for American audiences, Europeans gave their own take on the trend to prove a fail-safe colour can also be daring.

Italy's answer to the orange fever has been varied - including vibrant shades that scream for attention and peachy pastels that vie for subtlety. Valentino used dabs of orange for its prints as well as for cult accessories, like its glam lock-studded leather bags as well as purses and shoes from its iconic Rockstud collection. Versace's summer collection was in full tough-girl mode with notes of orange in trademark ensembles like a sexy interpretation of the two-piece suit with a slit running high up the skirt. On a more classic note, Max Mara took a bold step for a total look in orange with top, jacket and skirt in this hue, along with sandals and purse. Paola Frani used the color for Audrey Hepburn-style cocktail dresses while Alberta Ferretti embraced the trend with a romantic evening gown with a plunging neckline and rouches. Tod's Alessandra Facchinetti gave a bright note to her capes in orange and Miu Miu used dabs of the shade for its little patterned dresses with matching orange stockings.

Orange also took on notes of pastel - yet with a touch of edge into the sugary mix of classic hues. Indeed, while pastels are traditionally associated with fluffy fabrics shaping evening clothes, the orange approach was quite the opposite. With up-and-coming Milan label MSGM, orange took a fresh, sporty note. The brand, which has acquired cult status over the past few years with its funky print mixes and sleek silhouettes, used orange for its streamlined sleeveless dresses.

Gucci embraced the sexy side of orange with black-trimmed silk pleated dresses while Fendi's take on orange vied for urban coolness. And as Dolce & Gabbana and Florence's Gherardini were among brands launching beautiful bags in this shade, women will have to re-examine one of their ultimate fashion certainties - the black bag - much as the TV series' heroine Piper will have to re-examine her relationship with ex-girlfriend Alex and fellow inmates after a life among New York's upper middle classes.