By Shweta Thakur,

New Delhi, March 24 (IANS) A slew of hues may come and go, but no colour is accorded the open favouritism enjoyed by black. With fashion designers vouching for it, black is definitely back.

According to legendary advice, if there's one colour you must have in your wardrobe, it is black - a colour that denotes strength and authority, and is considered formal, elegant and prestigious. And like in many past seasons, this season, too, black continues to rule.

A string of designers across the nation has splendidly used black and its sister shades in their latest fall-winter collections.

"Black is going to be a huge hit this season. Winters are cold and hence the preference of people's shift to dark shades, especially black. Also, it is an easy colour with which you can experiment endlessly," Ritu Kumar, president of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), told IANS.

Designer Malini Ramani's latest collection 'Indiva - In Transit' features pleated skirts, beaded cropped jackets, fur-trimmed coats, studded sweaters, cocktail dress, wrap dresses and trench coats in various shades of black.

Style guru Siddarth Tytler's line 'Mood Swings' is divided into three dramatically different segments. For the second section of the collection, Tytler has used only Parisian black.

"The second section has black fitted dresses, which signify the confident look," said Tytler.

Manav Gangwani's collection offers both casual and formal suits, sherwanis and jackets in black. Similarly, Tarun Tahiliani has splendidly used black in his collection 'Trans Orient Express'.

"Black is an evergreen colour. It is a trend and its grand presence will be witnessed this season," asserted Tahiliani.

Inspired by mother earth's precious possession coal, Rohit Bal named his collection 'Koyla'. The line features short jackets, balloon skirts, evening gowns, long coats, suits, dhotis and pants for men and women in black.

"Black is the best colour. You sport black and you look great and it enhances your personality. Also, it is easy to accessorise when wearing black. It is always in great demand," said Sunil Sethi, CEO of Alliance Merchandising Company, a leading retail player in the country's fashion market.