From mustard yellow to fuchsia: colour combinations from Madrid

After several years of neutral tones dominating shops, wardrobes and even Pantone, fashion now seems ready to rediscover colour. Pantone disappointed many when the institution named a shade of white as its "Colour of the Year 2026." Many had expected a bolder choice from the leading colour authority. Copenhagen is one of the most important hotspots in this regard. The city is a must-visit for the cool girls of the international fashion scene who do not believe in the infallible power of the all-black total look as a uniform.

During the latest edition of MBFW Madrid, colour played a particularly interesting role on the catwalk. This was less due to the general presence of colour and more to the combinations, contrasts and chromatic dialogues created by the styling. This development is particularly relevant for an edition that was undeniably marked by the shows moving out of Ifema's ‘black box’. This resulted in a particularly appealing and more urban staging.

In this new environment, colour also seems to have found a way out of neutrality. Overall, the Madrid catwalk leaves behind less of a colour palette and more of a grammar. Here are some of the most interesting colour combinations we saw on the catwalk.

Mustard yellow, camel and ecru

Before moving on to more lavish combinations, let's start with the more subdued tones. These come from the ‘Chroma’ collection by Spanish brand Adolfo Domínguez, which explored the very question of what colour really is. In its vision, mustard yellow is earthy, almost dirty. It therefore acts as a basic alongside camel and ecru, the latter in a pinstripe version. Together, they create a magnetic colour palette.

Slate grey, butter yellow and turquoise

Spanish brand Pedro del Hierro opted for slate grey as an alternative to black. Turquoise accents on cuffs and lapels enhanced the look, harmonising perfectly with the soft buttery tone. The same colour harmony took on a more playful character at Agatha Ruiz de la Prada. The Spanish designer showed a butter-yellow dress full of polka dots in the same turquoise hue.

Leaving out the turquoise and combining the buttery tone directly with grey brings this pastel shade to the forefront. We also saw this at Pedro del Hierro. This combination works just as well in spring as it does in autumn. It becomes a timeless choice that can be worn immediately.

Powder pink, coral and cobalt blue

Although pastel tones run the risk of looking kitsch, the result is surprisingly appealing. This is especially true as it comes from a brand like Acromatyx, which is otherwise known for its loyalty to black. This proves that if even they are embracing colour, few will be able to resist the trend. Redondo Brand, in turn, presented this combination with feather trim in powder pink and details in cobalt blue. Isabel Sanchís showed an even more delicate version.

Black, lime green and violet

In contrast, there is the deliberate collision of black, lime green and violet. Here, colour does not accompany; it provokes. Nevertheless, the mechanics are the same as with the softer looks. A neutral base is broken up by two saturated accents that increase the intensity.

Acromatyx relies on colour-blocking and full pigmentation: a sheer black top, a flash of a violet waistband and satin lime green trousers. Here, the three colours are in direct opposition. Ernesto Naranjo opted for a gradient effect. He kept black in the upper section and let lime green transition into violet, turning the collision into a progression.

Black, green and pink

Spanish brand Palomo Spain proposed a warmer version of the same logic. A black shirt, a grass-green waist belt and pale pink trousers shared the spotlight.

Red, light blue and ivory

As an accent on the blue of denim, red reminds us that the theory of its unexpected use to elevate a look still holds true. At Moises Nieto, we see this in the form of a red ruffled collar on a black shirt or an intensely red dress softened by a sky-blue belt. Palomo Spain takes it to the extreme with an all-denim total look in light blue, where red stands out in the form of a feather boa.

Fuchsia, yellow leopard print and black

We have followed the growing success of yellow animal print combined with turquoise on social media. Redondo Brand, however, has taken this print and made it its own. The brand combined it with an embroidered fuchsia top and a black fringed hem. Against all odds, it works, because the right shade of yellow serves as a warm base. On top of this, fuchsia and black do not compete but share the attention. The result is a clear statement of intent, unsuitable for anyone who wants to go unnoticed.

Pink and red

For those who want to switch to colour without taking too much of a risk, pink and red are the perfect pair. As neighbours on the colour wheel, they complement each other without clashing. Palomo Spain combines them in a pale pink feather top worn with a red belt over white trousers. Baro Lucas uses them as an accent on the waist and shoes to subtly elevate a simple white dress.