One colour that is turning heads this spring is neon. Neon colours are making huge waves on global fashion runways. From Alexander Mcqueen to DKNY, neons are being cited as the ultimate rage for Spring-Summer ‘09.

While it added fun and chutzpah in the 80s, it promises to become a fashion statement once again. And not just with women, but men too who are using it to complete the look by way of a streak of it on their belt or footwear. And it is being experimented with. According to Rana Gill, colour blocking or whole fabric dipped in a neon colour for a blown-out look is what designers are dabbling with. While the global fashion scene looks for inspiration, one trend also seems to transcend the other. According to Rana, this one is borrowed from active/sports wear but it meets contemporary chic in a perfect blend. You could also add a splash of it in your ensemble by sporting hot neon colours in neckpieces, hair bands for men and women and other accessories with everyday styles.

It is being used to rev up the glam quotient. Rocky S suggests, "Incorporate neon highlights with neutral colours just to add to the ensemble. Neon accessories like a fuchsia coloured clutch bag or neon green stilettos offset the entire look". Neon pastels too are a fantastic alternative for those who don't want to go all the way with bright neons. Internationally, designer stores are already showcasing everything from bags to sandals in bright neon colours. At Marc Jacobs all the classic bags are done in fun bright fluorescent versions like green, yellow, and pink and Chanel has flats in neon pinks and yellows adding a hint of fun.

For those who enjoy a bit of attention would concede its importance as it can be an absolute eye-catcher. As neon colours are associated with energy they do add vibrancy to an outfit making it look attractive. In fact every six months designers from across the world meet at Premier Vision in Paris, that is considered as the hub for designers to sift through the latest materials. And this time round, designer Hemant Sagar informs it was stocked with neon coloured fabrics, so it is also the industry feeding designers with tastes-to-come.

He used the colour to make sleek suits with thin high-sheen nylon to get the look right in neon. According to him neon being a synthetic colour goes best with a sophisticated nylon fabric, but again, “It’s all for fashion value”. A mixture of linen and cotton in neon are also being popularly used to give a breezy look.

Since neon also fits the Bollywood spunky mould, designer Shaahid Amir from the industry says he is busy incorporating it in his styling. He prefers to match a neon coloured top with a bottom in neutral colours, black/white or simple khaki or beige colours. For men, he also likes to match neon coloured shorts with a jacket of classic breed, or stylised as a kimono. Neon coloured dresses are fun, flirty and very bold. So, he suggests, “Try a neon orange, pink, and even yellow with a pair of cork wedge heels. Add some simple accessories and a white bag”. It is a feel-good colour with a fresh appeal that also lends finesse.