THE IRONY OF BRIGHT COLOURS
A transformative style and colour analysis incorporates our client’s personal colour preferences, lifestyle, goals and personality. Let’s look at a before and after comparison.
In this case we look at the irony of bright colours. The brighter the better, if we want to be seen, right?
It is surprising how small and subtle changes affect the overall appearance. Here I demonstrate the harmony-is-energising principle with a person, but equally this magical effect applies in interior design, artistic displays, etc.
Let’s compare two stunning blues for a blond woman with neutral to cool skin tones, in the same window at the same time of day.
BEFORE: a striking gown in a winning blue – that connects with her eye colour, but yet manages to upstage her wonderful eyes. The intensity of this pure hue steals the limelight, whilst rendering her skin unevenly. In the presence of this exciting hue, we struggle to discern the subtle value contrasts and colour harmonies among her eyes, brows, skin and hair. No matter her shade of lipstick, this eye-catching blue quickly drinks up the oxygen in the room.
AFTER: A muted blue (with a hint of green) brings her eyes forward to greet the world. With respect to texture and contrast, her jacket’s supple drape, asymmetry and curves, echo its softened hue, and add delicacy to her expression. This gentler, greener blue harmonises with her colouring better than the bright blue. The jacket’s light and complementary colour help her well shaped brows to stand out, which in turn frame – and draw our attention to – her eyes. A sympathetic colour is often effective because it plays a supporting – not leading – role. Her lovely eyes and facial expression become our primary focus.
4 COMMENTS
Incredible, what an immediate and
immeasurable difference. This woman goes from ordinary to elegant!
You are amazing! Can’t wait to have you do my colours! 🩵💙
the 2 photos have different camera setting, look at the window in the background the left is a larger depth of feild so in focus the right is softer smaller depth of field, not a good comparisson as settings make a big difference to the look
Thank you for your interest Angela. I took the photos with my iPhone.They are unretouched, and intended to illustrate the concept. I hope the images communicate useful information for colour enthusiasts. My article aims to educate visitors about how colour affects our appearance… sometimes in unexpected and wonderful ways.
Amazing! Both of those blues are beautiful, but she looks elegant in the softer blue, and suddenly I notice her eyes and facial features. I’ve also seen Anne’s work in person, and this is a terrific example of how the colors Anne identifies as harmonious can enhance your whole appearance.