Maximum effect

Maximal-Effekt

Maximum effect

There are trends that last for more than one season and merely change their appearance a little. Our current favourite in the fashion merry-go-round: Colour blocking - in winter.

Remember the avant-garde, brightly coloured outfits from last summer? Purple tops fell in love with vibrant green skirts and blazers, orange trousers were in colour competition with azure blue blouses and red pumps, pocketbooks showcased their stylish appearance with a tricolour look. Expansive colour explosions - united under the wonderful concept of colour-blocking - were quite the in-look and raised spirits.

How fortunate that many designers refuse to give up polychromatic outfits during the cold winter months. We need a little colour to brighten the monotony of everyday life - particularly in winter. However, the same applies here as for the hip summer styles: Never combine more than three colours in one outfit - or you will quickly create sensory overload à la Rainbow Brite.
And this is why we have replaced the loud hues that dominated summer dresses, skirts and tops with more muted, softer colours: Bordeaux red goes marvellously well with shades of blue to which we add grey as a calming element; orange harmonises with brown and dark purple; in addition, pine green, dark blue, mustard yellow and black play their part as a necessary contrast in the winter colour palette.
It is particulary easy to create the right look if you combine several shades from one colour family. And if the outfit works, our favourite trendy summer tops can even be incorporated as warming layers under cardigans and pullovers in this new colour splendour.

Those who find all-over colour mixing a little too daring can accomplish colour-blocking in a different way: Pullovers, dresses, leather belts, gloves, shoes and pocketbooks with large, bold graphic patterns combine several colour blocks - except in only one piece. The perfect way to add a splash of colour to a classic monochromatic look and highly modern as well. Even in fashions by Stella McCartney and Marni, the colours are arranged in clear lines and blocks and geometric shapes. Squares, triangles and rectangles provide order among the marvellous multitude of colours and are the best formula for structure.

Text: Kim Leclaire