Nov
27
In this blog post, I want to tell you more about the symbolism and significance of my favorite color of all, one loaded with meaning – white color.
When people think of a white color first association usually is purity, joy, freshness, well-being. In many different cultures and countries, white has a special purpose, but its general symbolism is lightness. White has a purpose in parts of everyday life, even those you would overlook. For example, it is useful in advertising because when used as a background, it makes the product stand out. In medicine, there is a reason we see doctors and surgeons in white lab coats. It makes them recognizable for their skills and expertise and invokes a sense of cleanliness.
The symbolism of The White Color
There are endless associations and interpretations of white color all around the world. One might think of white as an aristocratic color. It instills a sense of wealth and sophistication. White also signifies innocence, which is why in many cultures, a white dress is worn on the wedding day, although I am personally a supporter of the alternative. White implies the opportunity for new beginnings. On the color wheel, white color always appears first. It is a fresh start and the chance for something spotless and immaculate.
Another interpretation of white is progress. That is why I always advise wearing at least one piece of clothing that is white, especially if a person is about to make new decisions. One of the less known facts is that white color negates fatigue and lack of stamina. We all have those days when our energy is at a minimum, tiredness is visible on our faces but we still have so much to do and overcome. On these days, I suggest an overall white look with very simple and minimalist makeup. You will find yourself armed against our greatest daily enemy: tiredness.
White color inspires courage and confidence. White opens us up to new aspirations and goals. However, due to its neutrality, I think that white should always be combined with another color, which will not only add an appealing contrast but will also make it more stylish.
White In Fashion
In terms of fashion, white color is mostly worn during the summer. Although in my opinion, it should be worn during the entire year and not confined to just one season. It is true that it is not the easiest color for wearing because it “gets dirty” quickly, but on the other hand black, green, blue clothes also get dirty and that doesn’t stop us from wearing them, right?
As you know from reading my blogs, I’m a firm believer that our personality and inner state are always connected to our behavior. With this in mind, I suggest that you look at the changes that are happening to you and around you. Take a closer look and ask how these changes correlate with your current state of mind and the colors you choose to wear.
While researching colors and their healing effect on us, I was reminded many times of non-verbal communication. How we feel on the inside expresses on the outside not just through clothing, but also through colors.
I will admit that this color sometimes requires courage to wear. My attitude towards fashion is that sometimes we find ourselves wanting a break from the already established trends. It is important to try something new because maybe you are ready for a change without really knowing. And that’s why I suggest beginning your journey and growth with white.
I have long wondered what the factors are that affect our style and the way we dress. What are the components that make an outfit work and bring the look we envisioned together?
What Defines a Style?
From my own experience, I know that there can be many factors that shape and define a person’s style: career, people that surround us, the current and latest trends, place of living, personal tastes, and so much more! I always pay special attention to the last one, which is our unique taste. Very often these are the preferences or inclinations that are imposed upon us by media, by others, or by our culture that we accept as part of ourselves.
Think about the many choices you make during the day when it comes to your clothes. How many of them are based on what you want versus what society tells you? For example, you likely wouldn’t wear dramatic, smokey makeup to just another day at the office unless you have a glamourous job. Just as you wouldn’t go bare face wearing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt to a special event. These are all inherent style trends we learn from the society that we barely even realize.
Furthermore, our style or outfit choice is not just what you might wear for this or that occasion. Our fashion style is an expression of our inner state. It is a very subconscious way of describing ourselves and communicating with our external environment about how we feel.
Since I entered the world of fashion, I’ve been noticing more and more how people express their inner state, thoughts, and feelings through their clothes. It is obvious if someone is fully dressed in an arty fashion style, but it can be noticed through small detail like a scarf or a necklace that actually makes a typical classical look their own.
Show Your Style With Confidence
Another important factor that often influences our style is what others think. In my opinion, this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make and it shows the lack of confidence in yourself. If you notice that you are more concerned with how others perceive you then by how you feel about yourself you’re not doing yourself a favor. This way of thinking can be really destructive in all areas of your life. You should always focus more on expressing your true self how you see yourself. Trust me, people will sense your confidence shining from within and will respect that more than displaying on a false image of yourself.
A good sense of style doesn’t require large sums of money, and it shouldn’t bring much damage to your wallet. All it takes is getting out of the box and your comfort zone to live your life without being concerned about what anyone else thinks of you. Your style is your own brand. Be stylish and be yourself.
Jun
10
Fashion (non)sense is a topic a wanted to write about for a long time. Every human being has a natural drive to create, make something new, get inspired, get recognized by doing something great. To me, all of those new ideas and innovations are a form of ART. But still, there is a nonsense that is very common in the fashion world. A person will be a true fashion lover yet afraid to experiment and play with clothes. Almost all ready-to-wear brands will copy haute couture designs instead of making their own designs.
So what exactly is blocking creativity when it comes to fashion?
Fashion (non)sense and designers
As a fashion designer, two things are very important to me – fashion events and new trends. Through fashion events I keep up with fresh trends, new styles, all those things are important for the process of creation and visualization. Every fashion designer strives to find inspiration that will help him design unique and authentic pieces.
That’s what made every big designer or brand famous worldwide. For example, when you see a Medusa head with gold details on a shirt you know that it’s from a Versace collection, which is a trademark Gianni created for his brand. And that is the point, fashion designers are creating THEIR fashion. However, we see so many copies then? Is it a business decision or a lack of ideas? Many ready-to-wear brands are copying haute couture designs which sound great, but there are a ton of reasons why this is bad. They use poor quality material, clothes are being produced in an unethical environment, time and the energy certain designer dedicated to the designing process is basically disrespected and can be treated as an abuse of intellectual property, and the list goes on. I will write more about this topic in one of the future posts.
Fashion (non)sense in everyday life
Having a fashion sense is not a question of a luxury anymore. It is our way of “silent” communication with others. It’s a way of showing to the world who we are. But even though we have complete freedom to express ourselves through our fashion style many people hide behind plane jeans and T-shirts.
Through my fashion consultant work, I noticed that many of my clients were afraid of what other people would say or think of their outfits. They were afraid that people will judge them and dislike their fashion style. If you are reading this and you recognize yourself in these words please read carefully the next paragraph.
You shouldn’t dress for others but only for yourself! Use fashion to express yourself, play with it, and have fun! Some people will notice and salute our way of styling, some will dislike it, some will be indifferent. But all of that doesn’t matter. Only important thing is to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing because only then you will feel truly confident and happy. Explore different styles, find inspiration for something new.
For me, the greatest inspiration is traveling. Experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, learning about their way of life, history, architecture… All of that always fascinated me. The crucial thing for me is the energy of the city and the people in it. Each of these travel experiences gave me ideas which I later translated into new creations.
No matter if you are a fashion designer or a fashion lover, take care of your fashion sense and don’t try to be someone else. Go out there, get passionate, and be creative. You will be amazed by the results.
Photo by Nikola Bradonjic
I’m a firm believer that self-expression through fashion is something that each person should practice. We are all unique and we should show what makes us different with pride. How we dress has a huge part in the first impression we leave on people. Also, we always dress according to the mood we’re in. Think about the colors you choose when you’re happy, of the type of clothes you choose when you’re feeling confident. To put it simply – your outfit communicates nonverbally with people as much as you do verbally.
Self-Expression From the Designer’s Perspective
When I’m working on my collections, I often have a vision of a woman I’m trying to create for. Although collections are different, they are still related to the same thread that connects them all. Good style is all that is related to us, what is in us, and that is our charisma, energy, above all, life awareness, and fashion. Often women might not be noticed just by what she’s wearing, but much more by her aura and charisma.
On the fashion scene, we see well-styled shows, from the beginning to the end. It’s a well-told story and concept made by designers or stylists. It is necessary to think about every detail, but it is crucial to be moderate because if you overdo it, it can create completely opposite effect on the audience.
Self-Expression Through Fashion Is Fun
Lifestyle, the music we listen to, the places we go to, it all affects how we dress and what we like to wear. Based on that how we dress, not just for making premature conclusions, one can imagine what kind of life we live in. What is particularly interesting is the connection between interior design and us. I had the opportunity to see the different living spaces of different clients, and just by looking around, I could conclude what is that person’s occupation, which is the colors he/she likes, and what is their fashion style.
What we hear most often is that good style comes with a lot of money, but it is far from the truth. Good style doesn’t always mean using expensive stuff. Perfect styling often can be achieved with small details, accessories, and the way they are incorporated. There is also the makeup. With good makeup and appropriate jewelry, we can highlight a very simple dress.
Self-Expression through fashion is something that most of us don’t think about. I think that’s a shame not to play with your style and experiment. It’s a fun way to get to know yourself and to be creative. Fashion and art should not be separated. From the perspective of the designer, inspiration is the most important thing. Whether it is in the detail, in a person, or in an object, it drives us to create something new and innovative. That is when the beautiful process of designing starts.