Primary Colors

We get used to a certain kind of color or form or format, and it's acceptable. And to puncture that is sticking your neck out a bit. And then pretty soon, that's very acceptable. - Lee Krasner

Dr Marten's Primary Pascal series look much better than the previews suggested. I was afraid they were a bit pastel but the hues are just bold enough. My current Dr Marten obsession carries on. The blue pair could work really well in a monochromatic outfit.

Martens is hardly alone in pushing a wide spectrum of color this spring. Philip Lim elaborated on this year's color trend, shifting from mustard, dandelion, to squash.
Van Assche surprised with an uncharacteristically colorful Dior Homme collection, Antonio Azzuolo painted a refeshing picture with electric blues and strawberry reds. His collection needs no defense. Its really just enjoyable to look at.

Its' was a year of constant discovery for me as I've locked onto young brands like Undercover, represented in the cardigan above, or Grey Ant whose sunglasses I've taken a shine to. Some older labels like John Lobb have recaptured my interest with killer accessories like this red suede boot.

Green is the official color for brands telling a rugged story. Its the color of the huntsman, the ranger. The shades accounted for in todays market represent simplicity and a romantic naturalism. Its not an accent, its a foundation.

The War on Chromaphobia

Thanks to Susie Bubble for reminding me. about this chronic wardrobe malfunction. Every year I tell myself I'm going to wear more color and sometimes I even trick myself into thinking that I am. Once while going on a spirited tirade about men not wearing any color I was silenced by a friend who noted that I myself wasn't wearing any color at the time and usually wear a lot of blacks and grays. A glance down at my outfit revealed that in fact I was only wearing black. How did this happen?

I'd like to say that its just a symptom of being a New Yorker but a New York Magazine article from last spring showed a few examples of New Yorkers who can't get enough of color. Even if those rare examples are strictly monochromatic. It was hard not to get excited about color again looking through the collections shown this year, as sober blues have given way to more vibrant yellows. Cyan, Neon, and Mustard. This year, of all houses, Gucci surprised me with a fun psychedelic collection, even if it was uneven.

Gucci and Jil Sander

Asos Slip On Boat Shoes £34.26

All three looks from Yves Saint Laurent SS09

Stefano Pilati showed a crisp range of delicate hues: salmon, navy, and many different earth tones. Every look combined luxury with comfort and teased a dialectic between vulnerability and strength.

My strategy to break away from black is simple:

1. I buy black because of its versatility, but earth tones and grays do the trick just as well.
2. Accessorize more. After migrating south for spring I found myself dressing down by default and therefore accessorizing more, but accessories allow for an easy addition of color to an outfit.
3. Watermelon sneakers.