Color Crazy
Daryl Chang
Color is the newest expression of personal style.
Color-coordinating one's outfit was high society's take on an ‘80s excess trend, the pairing up of extravagance was a way to flaunt one’s being able to afford the expensive matching designer bags and shoes. The ‘90s then went on as a decade of minimalism, probably a backlash to everything that was done by its predecessor. And then it just became an unwritten rule that being too matchy is just faux pas bordering on the tacky. In this decade, everything is intentionally mismatched: patterns, volumes, colors and silhouettes are mixed and matched to celebrate personal uniqueness and creativity.
Then John Galliano for Dior introduces a concept for his Holiday collection that's so simple it's totally revolutionary. Color coordination is once again new and reworked. Women's openness to colors, as opposed to having the safe choice of black, is a key component as to why this trend could take off. Two other factors are that, one, fashion trend turnover is faster than seasonal change, consumers want what's new now, and, two, because of this, there is not one key color for a season, it all just depends on what color you want to rock.
For this season, Galliano had each model dressed in one solitary shade but as a whole, it was a rich mix of jewel tones from shoes, bags, clothes to the hats: burgundies, deep blues and bright hues, shiny apple greens, lime yellows, fuchsias and tangerines. A head-to-toe color coordination achievement that breaks the last fashion rule. And, amazingly, it is a modern look that stands out even if you flip through this season’s fashion glossies. The solid color of Dior's ad campaign makes it the only new and exciting page amidst all other campaigns with posey celebs and models.
With fashion’s speed ever increasing, shoppers are either getting more confused or they have been getting wary but decisive as to what colors they want to wear and why. It has been proven that colors not only affect mind and body, but they also have a strong connection with moods, expressions, energy and emotions. Clothes will always be the visible manifestation of one's personal state of mind and being and colors, once perceived as hard to wear or (deep breath) something you can only wear once, is starting to become a bold statement and choice for those not wanting to be confined in a box.
A color-coordinated outfit is a hard trend to pull off as one would never want to look too much like a fashion victim or, heaven forbid, an entourage in a wedding party. But, infused with creative flair and daring, it is a different expression and one that certainly wouldn't blend in with the crowd. Color will always have powerful associations, it affects how we feel. I've never really realized it but I tend to wear brights when it's overcast and somber hues when it’s sunny. Maybe that's my way of balancing out the factors that are not in my control. Wearing my choice of color energizes, and for days when I feel I need that extra kick of confidence, a well-coordinated outfit is my weapon.
Will this trend take off? There is not one trend any more but a plethora of choices. It is something that's worth a try, though, and it is one style that I'm sure not a lot can pull off. But, as it is, being in the fashion loop has that effect, you always want what's new and what everyone can't really do. So pick a color and go wild. Make a statement and make it your own, there is no place for half-baked hesitation here, colors will work and they most certainly are made for the bold and the beautiful.
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