Something fascinating is happening with deep, rich color in London. It is visible in the early emerging stages in both apparel and home décor shops. This feels like more than the typical run-up to fall—and it’s way too early for that, anyway.

The Trend Curve has already forecasted a boost for deep hues that refuse to be dull. After trend spotting in London for four days, I feel even more strongly about that forecast than I did when I first made it in the spring of 2009.

The images below provide clues to the colors to come. I snapped them at Habitat (velvet chairs), John Lewis (towels), Liberty (chair with feathers), Monsoon (embroidered skirt) and Zara (cardigan sweaters).

I head back to the States tomorrow morning. I'll have more images of apparel, home, stationery and outdoor products from London retail available in a Special Report called Once Around London 2009. It will be available in about two weeks. If you are interested in pre-ordering, just email Janice Carlson and she will reserve your product for first shipment.