By Debra Toppeta

Walk along any of the shopping areas in Manhattan, whether in Soho, or on Columbus or Madison, and you are bound to notice a splattering of tomato in the windows.   No, some crazed fashionista has not been tossing ripe fruit at shop windows.  The hot color this spring is the bold red-orange of a ripe, juicy tomato, and nearly every designer has featured it somewhere in his or her spring collection.  This blaze of color is the perfect antidote to the drab days of winter.  And surprisingly, it is a color that looks good on most people.

Club Monaco is featuring the color in its spring coat collection.  Balenciaga has created a line of handbags in “tomato” for spring.  Perhaps the most breathtaking use of the color is by Oscar de la Renta who has created a resplendent evening gown of tulle and crystal in hot coral.  You don’t have to shop for an expensive designer coat or dress, however, as this new snappy color is being used in clothes at all price points.  Just gaze over any of the floors at Bloomingdales, Lord & Taylor’s or Macy’s and you will see them punctuated with bright corals and persimmons.  Whether you buy a stand-out dress or an accessory to punch up a neutral outfit, anything you wear in this vibrant new color will make you feel like one hot tomato.