During my undergrad in New York, I picked up a thing or two about living in color. The city, while filled with people all en noir, is just as equally laden with folks in hues of every shade you can imagine. How did you think the late and great Bill Cunningham was able to get all these fantastic shots of New Yorkers in technicolor?
When I moved to Paris, I realized that it was a different story. I used to swear by the rule that your handbag doesn’t have to match your shoes. Here it’s almost as if there is a law against it. I still wonder how this old lady I see at the boulangerie managed to find the exact shade of bubblegum pink loafers to match her scarf and purse.
But there’s a reason why time and time again people tend to match and go monochromatic. It’s because it works.
This Fashionista does exactly that. The clean and simplicity of black and white creates a perfect contrast that catches the eye. It’s a combination that has been used for ages but still never feels dated. Think combinations done in herringbone, checkerboard and stripes. All have been done in black and white and always come back in style. Here you can see the mix of the two colors done in a new and modern way.
The combination of black and white tied in together with the silver of her accessories create a bold statement that gives an air of minimalism perfect for day or night. Her outfit is also a perfect example of how you can mix luxury designers with high street fashion. From the Chanel bag and Ray-Ban aviators to the Call it Spring pumps, an ensemble can be pulled together at any price point.
You know what the best thing about going monochromatic? You don’t need a degree in color theory to understand that black works with black and white works with white.
Captured: Deep in the heart of the posh seventh arrondissement, I caught this Fashionista shopping along Rue de Grenelle near Le Bon Marché in Paris.
