Call it the 'Spider-Man' Effect: Red-and-Black Is Summer's Top Color Combination Runway Trend
Our take
The resurgence of red and black as *the* color combination of the season, dubbed the “Spider-Man” effect after Zendaya’s striking Louis Vuitton look, feels less like a fleeting trend and more like a recalibration of luxury’s visual language. It’s a deliberate move away from the pastel washes and muted tones that have dominated recent runways, signaling a return to a bolder, more confident aesthetic. The phenomenon isn't entirely new; we’ve seen flashes of this dynamic pairing before, but the widespread adoption by high-profile figures like Jennifer Lawrence and Charlize Theron solidifies its status. This echoes a broader shift we’re observing in fashion, a desire for statement pieces and impactful styling choices—a sentiment perfectly captured in our recent piece on Miu Miu's It Girl-Beloved Vivant Scores a Strike in the Bowling Bag Trend, where bold accessories are taking center stage. This isn't about chasing fleeting micro-trends, but about embracing pieces that communicate a distinct point of view.
The appeal of red and black extends beyond mere aesthetics. Historically, the combination carries significant cultural weight – think classic Hollywood glamour, powerful political iconography, and a touch of rebellious edge. It’s inherently dramatic, evoking feelings of passion, intensity, and sophistication. The “Spider-Man” moniker, while playful, cleverly taps into the inherent visual recognition and association with boldness. The key, however, isn’t simply pairing the colors, but doing so with an intentionality that feels elevated, not costume-like. This requires careful consideration of fabric, silhouette, and overall styling. We’ve seen this principle applied to other trends as well; Katie Holmes’ recent take on logomania, detailed in Katie Holmes Does Logomania the Katie Way—With 2019-Era Cigarette Jeans and a Button-Up, demonstrates how even a seemingly dated trend can be rendered chic through thoughtful execution. The red and black pairing demands the same level of discernment to avoid feeling cliché.
Beyond the individual garments, the rise of this color combination speaks to a larger cultural mood. After years of prioritizing comfort and practicality, there's a palpable yearning for a return to glamour and self-expression. This isn't necessarily about extravagance; it’s about intentionality and a willingness to take risks with one’s style. It's a rejection of the quiet, almost apologetic minimalism that has reigned for so long. This shift is also driven by the increasing influence of social media and a desire to curate a visually compelling online presence. Red and black, with their inherent drama, photograph incredibly well, making them a natural choice for those seeking to make a statement in the digital space. The focus is moving away from buying *things* and towards curating a visual narrative; a carefully considered palette like red and black contributes significantly to that narrative.
Ultimately, the “Spider-Man” effect isn’t just about a color combination; it's a reflection of a broader cultural shift towards a more confident and expressive aesthetic. It’s a signal that we’re entering an era where boldness and intentionality are prized, and where fashion serves as a powerful tool for self-expression. What remains to be seen is how this trend will evolve – will it remain a sophisticated pairing, or will it descend into a more literal, costumey interpretation? And more importantly, how will the industry continue to balance this desire for visual impact with the ongoing conversations around sustainability and mindful consumption, as highlighted by the careful curation of pieces in When the Group Chat Has Plans, You’ll Be Glad You Picked Up These 30 Nordstrom Sale Pieces?
Last month, when Law Roach outfitted Zendaya in a red-and-black Louis Vuitton look, the legendary stylist didn't just have method dressing for Spider-Man: Brand New Day in mind. The superhero shades also gave one of summer's hottest color combinations the red carpet close-up it deserves.
Days after the black tailcoat and tomato-red shorts debuted on Louis Vuitton's Cruise 2027 runway, creative director Nicolas Ghesquière loaned the two-piece to Zendaya for Spider-Man's Amsterdam premiere. Even without a spiderweb motif (she saved those for London, Rome, and Mexico City), the shorts set was an on-theme homage to Spider-Man's suit. From there, red and black wasted no time swinging to another fashion insider's summer color palette: Jennifer Lawrence.
The color combination looked more wearable than ever on Lawrence, who stacked a bright windbreaker from Texan label Roucha over black Alo Yoga leggings in New York City for a Pilates class.
Across the pond, Alexandra Leclerc wore red and black to the British Grand Prix. The wife of Charles Leclerc had as much of a reason for embracing the colors as Zendaya—the Formula 1 champion is on team Ferrari, after all. Before her husband accepted the first-place trophy, Alexandra's ruby red Jacquemus bag proved where her loyalties lie. She also deserves extra points for coordinating the color to her dog's harness and leash.
She sourced Jacquemus again to complement her collarless black jacket. To finish her paddock outfit, pointy Prada mules resumed the red color story, from below blue jeans from Frame.
Perhaps Alexandra left her mark on London's celebrity style circuit. A day later, Charlize Theron attended a local after-party for The Odyssey in custom Givenchy, which featured a velvet, scarlet cowl-neck dress and black leather gloves from the Fall 2026 fashion show, as well as black T-strap heels.
While The Odyssey stars declared the duo an eveningwear essential, Monica Barbaro followed Lawrence's lead in NYC with a more casual look. She chose black leggings, too, except her Self-Portrait pair was capri-length to match the early-aughts nostalgia of her layered tank tops from NYC-based brand Kate Barton. Barbaro's belt, Jimmy Choo sandals, and Khaite x Oliver Peoples sunglasses were also black, which let her cherry-tinted tank do all the talking.
Thanks to such star-studded endorsements, red-and-black made quite a name for itself this summer. However, it originally turned heads during Fall 2026 fashion shows. The Givenchy two-piece that inspired Theron's custom dress (an asymmetrical cowl-neck top styled over barrel-leg trousers) first debuted on the runway in March.
Also at Paris Fashion Week, Chanel sent out a cap-sleeve column dress with contrasting splotches of maroon and black. Some of creative director Matthieu Blazy's more subtle takes on the trend limited red to the accessory department—drop-waist belts, croc-embossed bags, coat collars, and even oversized buttons—while black served as the foundation.
We'll never know if Balenciaga's red-and-black look inspired Lawrence, but the leather jacket and leggings bore a resemblance to her Pilates outfit. J.Law's baggy windbreaker wasn't too far a shape-shift from the brand's bomber's funnel-neck collar.
Meanwhile, Celine's Fall 2026 collection tapped into the skirt-over-pants trend, with a ribbed long-sleeve turtleneck and ultra-high-rise trousers. The model's bowler hat and top-handle tote gave the color combination a Western twist, without losing its superhero suave.
Just in time for Team Spain's World Cup win and the Spider-Man: Brand New Day theatrical release, red is making a strong case to replace "Cloud Dancer" as Pantone's 2026 Color of the Year. So far, Katie Holmes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lawrence, and more have styled various reds with butter yellow, peony pink, and cool blue, but black creates the edgiest color combination by far.
Luckily for fans (of Spider-Man, or red and black), the pairing isn't going anywhere. Since it dominated Fall 2026 runways, its busiest season is still in the queue. So, make sure your closet is stocked for red-and-black's peak by shopping the styles below.
Shop the Red-and-Black Color Combination Inspired by Zendaya, J.Law, and More
Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience