Color Transforms

We exist in a society in which color symbolism has been predetermined. Groomed to discriminate and subjugate colors to embody certain concepts that will influence the design of different entities, colors can transform a singular design to mirror its symbolism. From birth, the judgment of color and their symbolism and meanings is ingrained in us. Momentary leaving the womb of our mothers, boys are wrapped and surrounded by what we deem to be masculine colors, and girls by what society has agreed upon to be feminine colors. A father would hardly allow their sons to be absorbed in pink, but expect their daughters to be because pink is a ‘girl’ color.

Collette Dinnigan Fall 2010 Collection

The fashion industry is a major entity in which color symbolism is used to enhance the design concept, because color transforms the design. Looking at clothing, any red garment, regardless of design, can be linked to being sexy, as black can be linked to sophistication, and earthly tones can be linked to radiate a bohemian quality.

Collette Dinnigan SP 2011 Collection

Seasons are another way in which color transforms design in the fashion industry. According to what some consider common knowledge, certain colors are designated for certain seasons. Bright colors are designated to appear and be worn in spring and summer seasons, whilst matte and dark colors are allocated to appear in fall and winter seasons. Observing society, a pattern of brightly colored garments is only seen to be sold during spring and summer, and garments of the same variety in darker colors are only sold during fall and winter. In this way, color can transform a single design to symbolize certain concepts, and use.