WHITE IS BEAUTIFUL

Why does white color never leave us indifferent? What is the reason that it is given a very special place in the colorist circle? In which cases does white attract and inspire, and in which, respectively, does it sadden? When and how did this light tonality become an axiom for the wedding dress...What is the significance of the white color in fashion design and in general in people's clothing?

We cannot ignore the psychological associations of white with the suggestion and allusion of purity, innocence and completeness. Color psychologists emphasize its completeness, and even interpret it as a sign of protection and a means of strengthening courage. In the mass aesthetic consciousness, the color white is often associated with confidence, progress and new beginnings. Cross-cultural differences, however, testify that in different geographical locations around the world, white can have a radically different meaning – from a symbol of joy and triumph, to a sign of sorrow and mourning. In the Christian tradition, as is well known, angels wear white clothing and white colors are associated with bright, beautiful moments in people's lives, but in Asian cultures this color is typical for mourning ceremonies and worship. One of the two key colors in the Pope's clothing is white (the other being red). Even Generalissimus Stalin wore a white uniform.

As early as the end of the 18th century (the time of the Great French Revolution), white muslin dresses supplanted the opulent "Rococo" women's outfits, and in the 19th century, white and/or its shades became the distinctive color sign of the bridal dress, symbolizing purity, chastity and not lastly, the virginity of the bride.

In fashion design, white is really a very beautiful and special color that can be combined with any other color scheme. The classic combination of white and black is very often used for iconic ceremonial and ritual events and as a distinctive sign of formality and solemnity.

One of the favorite colors of the legendary French designer Carmen Carven is precisely white. This is what she shared with me when we met in Paris years ago: “The color white is the embodiment of purity. It is typical of young girls and in my collections, I have always paid due attention to it!". White is privileged in the work of Jeanne Lanvin, Cristobal Balenciaga, Valentino (his first collection is entirely in white, although his hit is red), André Courrèges and who else. Analysts have long noted that Balenciaga, this architect of the perfect construction, contrasts white with black and generally with dark tones, thereby infiltrating additional elegance and sophistication into the garment.
A very cursory glance at the most stylish movie stars on the Oscars red carpet also shows the dominance of the color white. In 2015, Julianne Moore accepted the award for best actress in a leading role, wearing a beautiful bright Chanel outfit. During the ceremony in 2012, Gwyneth Paltrow was captivating in a floor-length white minimalist outfit by Tom Ford. Connoisseurs still remember Angelina Jolie at the 2004 Oscars wearing an ultra-feminine white draped sleeveless dress with a plunging neckline and a small plume by Mark Bauer. We should not forget the unique white Louis Vuitton dress with a deep neckline, which the Oscar-nominated Bulgarian actress Maria Bakalova wore to the ceremony in 2021.

Among the conservative fashion postulates is that the color white can and should be worn only in summer. Yes, it is true that in the hot seasons, light tones of clothes are fashionable and preferable - they are adequate both from an aesthetic and functional point of view. But more and more often, white clothing is successful and well-received in other seasons as well. A shining example in this regard is Mademoiselle Coco Chanel, who has not parted with white all year...

In fashion, the white color is like the white canvas for the artist – it allows to highlight the personality and its charm as much as possible, to feel and understand its message, to gain an insight into its individual world, to properly assess the moment and life situation. White is really beautiful!

Read: 2359 times                                                  © Fashion Lifestyle Magazine, issue 119, July 2022

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