Colour Yourself Out of the Recession



Posted: Monday, May 03, 2010

by Helen Venables
House of Colour Ltd

As we meander our way through the recession (or is it now a recovery?) and wonder whether there will be a double dip, it's interesting to note that fashion designers have hit the catwalks with bold bright colours and patterns.  When the chips are down, the world needs fun, strength and vibrancy in its clothes.

Even black has taken as big a back seat as it ever can in the UK.  Grey, black's softer, subtler more feminine cousin, has filled the shops.

When we consider all the doom and gloom, it's no surprise that the most dominant colour over the last couple of seasons in the shops has been purple.  Not only does it traditionally represent wealth and power but it also conjours up exotic floral images. And surely we are all up for a bit of these in our lives when we feel that the reality is humdrum and financially insecure.  Greens of all sorts from soft Autumny moss right through to the really vibrant grass and limes are all over the place, providing a sense of restfulness, sending us soothing and cheerful messages as well as health giving vibes.  And there are strong, powerful reds which also speak of love, comfort and warmth.  And so it goes on :  Lots of bright colours combined in strong blocks or wild, oversized patterns.  Colour is not being used subtly or delicately but is right there in our face, encouraging us to push through the adversity, stand tall and not to take stick from anyone.

As  of 25 years standing, we are not surprised to see our business growing steadily through this current economic downturn.  This has historically been the pattern as people faced with the bold exciting choices of colour in the shops seek our services to ensure they can wear the clothes  they choose with confidence and an assurance that they are not wasting their money. 
Colour Analysts
Helen Venables is Franchise Director of International Image Consultancy House of Colour.  She also runs her own successful consultancy advising clients on a regular basis from the company’s Head Office north of London in the UK. She is responsible for the recruitment of new consultants for the company both in the UK and internationally.  

House of Colour is renowned for  its high standard of training and Helen is also  part of the team responsible for training consultants.  She is  proud of the company’s continued Investor In People Award and is passionate about passing on the confidence that comes from understanding which clothes suit us and why.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Marijo Phelps
 2 years 10 days ago.
143 fans.
Love this! My hubby accuses me of "inventing" colors as he says there couldn't possibly be some of those I refer to - what can I say - I too LOVE color.
» left by Helen 2 years 10 days ago.
Thanks Marijo, glad you enjoyed it.
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