Colors are integral entities of an unscripted language that communicates visually. Each color stands for unique characteristics and owing to the psychological impact that these have, colors make strong building elements not only in all the fashion stories but every little thing around us as well. It is this significance that makes it so important for us to identify the color trends periodically as seasons pass because this entity has a huge role to play when it comes to the success of the collections. Any forecast is a reflection of the ever changing tastes of the society and color is a key tool to cater to the tastes. However, certain colors have such a strong and sturdy definition to them that these defy the rule of ‘change’ and grab the label of ‘classics’.
As the fashion readers peep into the recent runway reports that direct them to what is slotted for the fashion world in the next season, it is unavoidable to notice the predominant existence of the Fall Winter classics-Black and Gray and effortlessly stating it as the color trend Fall/Winter 2012.
Classics also redefine themselves and this how the runway seemed to do it for the colors Black and Gray for Fall/Winter 2012.
Reflect Power-the all ‘Black’ style
Black is a very strong and a serious color if not the most and when that is the only color in the garment it talks of power, sophistication and sexiness. The block of black can be broken and softened with textures and silhouettes respectively. Visually slimming, the all black look can never go wrong and is an all time winter favorite.
Style it to your mood and the color can be as conventional or as sexy as you want it to be. Spotted at the Academy of Arts collection in Manhattan was the conventional form where the highlight of the outfit was the leather accents. Leather in black apart from its functionality is a great way to add depth to a any winter outfit and adds a touch of lustre to the look.
A balanced look can never really go wrong and the same goes for the combination of sheer and leather. When two strong trends blend together in a garment the result can never be too debatable. Take inspiration from the softness of sheer and strong character of leather that blend well at Kevork Kiledjian’s Fall/Winter collection at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.
Mystery of Sheer & Flow:
The two colors, Black and Gray are in their best avatars when in the form of flowy sheers or easy silhouettes that oppose the character of the color. The skin against the sheer black is fashionably irresistible.
The rule of balance perfects it by balancing the strength of the color with the softness of sheer and the silhouette. The hide and seek character of the sheers is what that makes the look mysterious.
Gray on Blacks and Vice Versa:
Black and gray is a strikingly classic combination and the prints in the combination always make a stylish combination. Whether it is the hint of gray on solid black or the other way round in various forms like abstract, graphic or motif, the result talks high glamor and interesting fashion.
The runway cues from Fall/Winter 2012 see the combination manifest in the form of jumpsuits and dresses.
The Wraps and Covers:
A formal blend of black and white results in a formal color and of its own class. The hues of grays were strong on the runways and for a reason. There can be no Fall/Winter without the grays and this year hints at pairing it all with blacks.
With multiple styling options the grays can be worn in the form of fur jackets over black, gray pants, crisp suit or a solid gray dresses can be attired to perfection. Talk sophisticated glamor in long ankle kissing layered pants or relaxed chic by styling the color aptly and when done well the color can work beautifully in night and day.
The color oozes subtle style and elegance. What’s not to love about it?
Tips & Tricks:
- A red pout is the easiest and classiest ways to add color to the monotones.
- Darker shades have a slimming effect so why not go the black way to achieve the illusion.
- The fabric you wear decides the intensity of the color. A chiffon in black or gray will always be lighter than wool.
- In an all black look, it is a great idea to break the block with textures and depth to the ensemble.
- Metallic accessories work wonder for the monochromes.
The hues of the charcoal and grays of the soot work for the wardrobe not only for the approaching season but way beyond and hence make for great wardrobe investments pieces. No amount of color talking can take away the charm or the vacuum of the classic black and gray for any Fall/Winter. The color combination is like a comfortable promise for the season.
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