Black beauty

Seasons ago, fashion’s romance with colour added life to every woman’s wardrobe. Colour became a key element on trends from bohemian chic to ’60s mod, maximized volume and layering, graphic prints to a parade of psychedelics, fashion has never looked technicolor. Charming its way to one’s fashion sensibilities, colour seduced our senses by parading in bold hues, pastels and light palettes. This season, fashion takes a turn as the darkest of shades make an enchanting comeback. Welcome the new season as we celebrate the return of black.

The new black is back. Resurrected from its years of absence in the spotlight, what used to be a fashion classic in one’s wardrobe is now the biggest style statement this season. Dark and full of luxury, black casts a spell as it reveals in the allure of high glamour. More than just a fashion statement, the enchanting darkest of hues unveils intense drama as it gives focus on the structure of form and line. Strong silhouettes in luxe fabrics define bewitching extravagance yet enough to exhibit traces of effortless elegance. Mesmerized by the charisma of black magic, designers focused more on detailing rather than the look from ruffles to ribbons, embroidery to knits, satin and lace to velvet. Victor & Rolf, Lanvin, Gucci, Balenciaga, Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermes, Stella McCartney and Paco Rabanne paraded their collections in rich black as luxury creates these spellbinding tales from the dark side. Though the attention to detail is with clarity, the overall appeal under this cloak of darkness captivates minimalism, clean tailoring and a sense of lady-like formality.

As the old classic black moves beyond statements into the realm of style, one is reminded of Yves Saint Laurent who once said: "Fashions fade, style is eternal."

(E-mail the author at mymultiplechoice@yahoo.com)