FASHION
April - June 2017 •
The Lion King
• 61
BY NONSO NDUANYA
ESSENTIAL
BLACK
B
lack is an essential and probably
the most common fabric colour
you could ever come across,
even a toddler possibly has at least
one black clothing item. I’ve heard
people say black is boring and worn
by people who are afraid to express
themselves in colours. But then even
the most colourful fashion connoisseur
will tell you that a wardrobe without
black is bare. I mean, you can even
turn-up for your wildest party decked
in all-black and still slay like mad – it
just depends on how you rock it.
I then ask myself, ‘why is black essential
in the workplace?’ Black is the most
formal colour one can wear to work.
There is a certain mystique and
savviness black bestows on you. Ever
wondered why those secret service
guys always turn up in black suits?
Simply because black is associated
with law and authority. According to
bizjournals.com, ‘think of black when
you need to intimidate your competitor
or want to outshine your competition.’
There is something about black that
exudes secrecy which in turn creates
an aura of sophistication around the
wearer.
You can never go wrong with black.
Most blue chip companies have dress
codes which demand a formal look
most of the week. Black is one colour all
dress codes embrace because black
is a colour that always commands
attention. Yes, black is a power colour!
Even if your organisation allows less
formal dressing, you can always step
up you dress game a notch and
assert your presence by adding a
touch of black. Anything from black
shoes to black blazers will do the trick.
Did I mention that black is elegant?
Precisely the reason it remains the
official colour for ‘black tie’ (formal)
events.
Outside the workplace, black is also
essential. Black colour goes with
all other colours. So even colour
freaks can find refuge in the toning
and blending power of black. Karl
Lagerfeld, head designer of Chanel
fashion house and Fendi, assures us
that black is not losing its position as
the essential element of a woman's
wardrobe in the foreseeable future.
He puts it succinctly: "Black is the
color that goes with everything. If
you're wearing black, you're on sure
ground." Black is also very fashionable.
Through the ages, black has remained
a wardrobe staple for all celebrities
and public figures with good dress
sense.
So, if you are someone who doesn’t
like being taken for granted, whenever
you have an important function, or
you are getting dressed for work, or
even hanging out with friends, always
have it at the back of your mind
when getting dressed that black is a
powerful colour that can make you
standout, if worn properly.
Photo credit: Calvin Lawson
