The city of Milan is a rich tapestry of diverse history, art and culture. Dubbed as one of the leading city’s in fashion, it is home to some of the worlds major fashion brands and designers. A history extending over thousands of years, Milan intertwines tradition and modern progression to embody a sophisticated design style that acknowledges both past and present. My time in Milan presented me with a newfound appreciation for the use of colour. In a time of preference towards a more minimalist aesthetic that involves muted tones and simple black and whites, Milan was a fresh array of kaleidoscopic colour. Colour gives meaning to design; it can spur emotions, express values, change and cause actions.
My design collection was aimed to explore and experiment with different colour combinations, particularly those that are not commonly partnered. Fashion usually parallels current social and political issues and movements and I wanted to create an outfit that suited the ‘modern feminist’. Using a clean tailored cut of a suit that is both traditional and timeless, I matched it with a palette of ‘minimalist pink’, a shade that represents a kind of ironic prettiness or post-prettiness that is very topical in a time that is looking to shed the passive and delicate gender norm of females. No other colour can perfectly encapsulate a women’s power than a vivid and daring red. Together, the colour duo celebrates the strong, intelligent and brave character of the modern day woman.
