Have you noticed between rails of sale goods the first trickle of the new autumn stock? At least 2 years ago trend forecasters will have provided designers and retailers with the research and ‘trend intelligence’ that have influenced what we currently see on the clothes rails.

Observations of cultural and social developments and socio-economic changes influence the future choices of the style, colours, shapes and textures that we are wearing today.  Autumn/Winter 2010/11 trend/colour palettes fall broadly in to three categories given similar themed names by forecasters that for the most part will be repeated for 2011/12 trends too. Below is a snapshot of the upcoming trends with a my take on each of the colour palettes, what moods or feelings they evoke and what type of personality would suit the trends.

image thanks to www.millionlooks.com

A/W 2010-11 Tribe/Origins/Primal: These earthy, warm, yellow based, muted, intense, fiery shades communicate qualities of passion, friendship/kinship, environmental concern, culture, spiritual and values. The ‘native’ styling trend influences the fabrics, textures and detail. In 2011-12 the ‘natural’ print theme becomes more ‘camouflage’ and animal inspired! The look is relaxed, natural and comfortable and quite suited to the autumn-linked personality.

A/W 2010-11 Order/Cleanse/innovate: These clear, blue based, strong contrasting saturated colours or icy tints are ‘forward thinking’ and communicate technology, science and the avante-garde. Luxurious fabrics, almost futuristic, structured and sculpted design lends itself to the drama of the winter personality.

A/W 2010-11 Escape/synergy: These cool, blue based, greyish, muted soft tones communicate harmony, simplicity, escapism, balance, elegance, aspiration and quality. Dream-like, these soft, fluid shapes and the exquisite detailing lend themselves to the summer personality beautifully.

With thanks to www.mudpie.co.uk for trend information.

New! Autumn course dates – click the links or contact us for further details

The study of colour psychology is a fascinating subject and whether for personal development or to add an in depth understanding of the subject to add another dimension to your professional skills, in:colour offer a variety of courses and workshops to suit you.

Workshops – coming up

The power of colour psychology – an introductory 2 day workshop in to the world of colour psychology

Colour your business – 1 day workshop on how to use colour effectively in your branding and business communications

The secrets of colour - this 1 day workshop for stylists and fashion professionals adds depth and understanding to your knowledge of colour, which will enhance your client consultations

Autumn courses

Personal colour psychology consultant - become a personal and lifestyle colour psychology consultant

Colour psychology for interior design – discover how to use colour psychology to improve your clients environment

Colour psychology for design and communication - use the language and power of colour psychology to improve your marketing communications

Mariah Carey - radiant

Fashion, of course is considered by many as art. We’re told there is much competition by leading designers to get their dress on the back of a Hollywood actress and down the red carpet and at such an event where there is maxim media exposure and column inches the PR value is worth its weight in Oscar gold.

When writing about the frock show at the recent ‘Oscars’ Daily Mail fashion journalist Liz Jones commented “the colour was a washout: there were so many oysters and nudes I lost count, and began to yearn for someone with the guts to wear emerald or scarlet”. Me too Liz! Whilst quite often I find that fashion journalists can be rather dismissive of the ‘art’ of the colour consultant  I rather think they miss the point as, I feel, have some of this years Oscar stars – or their stylists.

If you’ve looked at the pictures of the dresses you might have wondered what is it that made Mariah look like a goddess, whilst Gabourey Sidibe looked older than her years and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s dress seemed to have the strange effect of making the rest of her fade in to insignificance, and all were wearing the colour blue.

Why was Helen Mirren resplendently regal in lavender when pale and nude tones on the very beautiful Charlize Theron and Anna Kendrick had the unfortunate effect of making them appear just brought out of cold storage in time for the ceremony?

Clothes and the colours that we choose to wear are an expression of our

Anna Kendrick - revived?

personality and our individuality and yes, of course ‘fashion’ is fun to wear and enjoy but just as there can be light, depth, clarity,softness and intensity in the colours of the fabric of a beautiful dress, there is too in our own personal colouring. Knowing and understanding how your own colouring interacts with the colours of fabric and clothing is the difference between looking strained  with your dress taking centre stage, or the secret to looking like a goddess – radiant and alive.

See the photos of the stars on the ABC News and Entertainment Oscar 2010 Red Carpet Report

Other blog posts you might be interested in

Pantone fashion colour report for autumn 2010

The message behind black

Back to black?

Stylists, image consultants and colourists – develop more in depth and accurate colour techniques with our courses in personal colour psychology and help your clients to look great and increase their well-being.