Color on the Street: Black is the New Black

By Katie Shafiei, Monday September 17, 2012 - colors

The Non-Color Black might be one of the most controversial colors there is. It stands for a wide variety from positive to negative things. But without a question it’s a very striking color, that will always get people’s attention.

Black is the color of the night. Before people lived in cities and the night was lit up by artificial light, night time was dangerous and scary. So black became associated with fear and evil, an association it has to this very day.

Elegance and Formality

But black also symbolizes elegance, sophistication and formality. Think of Coco Chanel’s little black dress, or the so called Black Tie dress code for high class restaurants, galas, weddings or other special events. Black radiates drama, sophistication, power. Judges often wear black, as do most police riot control units. In judo, a black belt displays achievement and seniority.

Depths of the Unknown

Other associations are mystery, unhappiness, sadness, anger, misfortune, sorrow and mourning. Black expresses the depths of the unknown. But black is also sexy. In Feng Shui, black is considered to be feminine energy.

Black in Fashion

Black grounds and supports bright, vibrant colors. They seem to shine more when combined with black. Gold and silver jewelry looks more dramatic on black. As does that old traditional mainstay, pearls. Black has a magical feature: when used well it will make you look slimmer and taller.

Black in Harajuku

We always see a lot of black on the streets of Harajuku. But this summer we see it a lot more than usual. It is used with the vibrant colors it emphasizes so well, but also by itself as so dramatically shown in our coverage of A Day at the ZOO – 10MO8 SHUPPAN x JAPANESE STREETS.

Be beautiful. Be black!

Click on a picture to see the full look.