Dries Van Noten: Colour Me Happy

Yesterday I took a leap and dyed my white cargos orange.  They didn't turn out the bright orange I had expected, they are more like the colour of mango, so I might have to do it again to get a brighter hit of orange. But for now, they are truly the happiest pants in my wardrobe because they are such a cheery colour and they have gone from being hidden at the back to being worn today.  


On my way to get my morning latte I was accosted by a very cranky fox terrier who I think took offence to my bright pants because he decided to attack them!  A shriek of "bloody hell" was all I managed to get out as I ran for the safety of Milk & Honey.  Not long after, lattè in hand, I returned to the safety of my car and continued on my way.


It got me thinking about colour though and how I think it brings out your personality.  


One of the best users of colour in the business is Monsieur Dries Van Noten.

DVN S/S 2010

Blue: Soft, soothing, compassionate and caring, Blue is the color of deliberation and introspection, conservatism and duty. Patient, persevering, conscientious, sensitive and self-controlled, Blues like to be admired for their steady character and wisdom. They are faithful, but are often worriers with somewhat inflexible beliefs and can be too cautious, and suspicious of flamboyant behaviour.

DVN S/S 2008

Pink: This color embodies the gentler qualities of Red, symbolizing love and affection without passion. Women who prefer Pink tend to be maternal. Pink desires protection, special treatment and a sheltered life. Pink people require affection and like to feel loved and secure, perhaps wanting to appear delicate and fragile. Pink people tend to be charming and gentle, if a trifle indefinite.

DVN S/S 2010

Purple: Purples are highly individual, fastidious, witty and sensitive, with a strong desire to be unique and different. Temperamental, expansive and artistic, a Purple person may become aloof and sarcastic when misunderstood. If you chose Purple, you tend to be unconventional, tolerant and dignified, likely to achieve positions of authority.

DVN S/S 2010

Yellow: The color of happiness, wisdom and imagination, Yellow is chosen by the mentally adventurous, searching for novelty and self-fulfillment. Yellow usually goes with a sunny and shrewd personality, with a good business head and a strong sense of humor. It is the color of intellectuality and all things to do with the mind. Yellow folks are usually clear and precise thinkers who have a good opinion of their own mental capacities and who have lofty ideals. They may at times tend to shun responsibility, preferring freedom of thought and action.

DVN F/W 2009

Orange: This color of luxury and pleasure appeals to the flamboyant and fun-loving person who likes a lively social round. Orange people may be inclined to dramatize a bit, and people notice them, but they are generally good-natured and popular. They can be a little fickle and vacillating, but on the whole they try hard to be agreeable. Orange is the color of youth, strength, fearlessness, curiosity and restlessness.

DVN S/S 2010

Green: The color of harmony and balance, Green symbolizes hope, renewal and peace, and is usually liked by the gentle and sincere. Greens are generally frank, community-minded people, fairly sociable but preferring peace at any price. Green people can be too self-effacing, modest and patient, so they may get exploited by others. They are usually refined, civilized and reputable.

DVN S/S 2009

Dries Van Noten is known for his use of original prints, bold colour and layering.  His designs are all pret-a-porter and the company does not use advertising nor does he use any one particular muse: "I think it would really limit my creativity.  It's not that I want to dress everybody in the world, but I want to dress different generations and different body types.  That's one of the reasons why we don't create publicity, because you have to choose one ideal Dries Van Noten man and woman, and this I don't want to do."  I commend Van Noten's ability to not give in to the lucrative nature of fashion branding. He is the exception rather than the rule. 


I wonder if he is ever tempted by it?  Who do you think would make a good company face for Dries Van Noten?  

He once dressed Cate Blanchett for the Oscars and both Nicole Kidman and Maggie G have all been down the red carpet in his designs.  My choice? I pick Maggie G, I think she embodies the Dries woman perfectly. 


Anyway, kisses!

Heidi


Sources: Style.com, Australian VOGUE, JustJared.com.  
Colour meaning interpretations adapted from The Healing Power of Color by Betty Wood (Inner Traditions, 1998) via here.