Black is back?

From the Valentino Fall 2022 Collection

In an article I recently read in the October issue of “Elle”, author Kristen Bateman heralds the (re)introduction of the color black in this season’s fashion trends. “Wearing all black in 2022 sends a message for sure - one of fortitude, strength, and untouchable allure.”

This intrigued me. Personally, for once this season I was loathe to swap my vibrant, pastel pink sundresses and crop tops for neutral tones, albeit of the animal-print variety. I, like many of us, am still struggling with a certain sense of PTSD from The Pandemic - and I revel in color as a way to shift my mood to a more positive vibe. But this article got me thinking - what does the color black really mean, in Fashion as well as Culture?

A quick Google search revealed many contradictions…the color black can signify mystery, power, elegance, sophistication, and luxury….but it can also signify evil, darkness, night, and despair. Black is, of course, the traditional color for those in mourning - but why, I wondered? Apparently mourning dress in black dates back to Roman times, when a “toga pulla” (dark toga) was worn in memorium. Perhaps this tradition passed to England during the Roman occupation there, but be it as it may, in 1861 Queen Victoria popularized the tradition upon the death of her beloved Prince Albert, which kept the tradition going for another century or two.

And of course, as the proud caretaker of a black cat myself, I could not help but research the prejudices surrounding my favorite feline. As it turns out, although black cats were viewed with suspicion in New England during Puritanical rule, they were considered sacred in Celtic, Scottish, and even Japanese mythology. In Scotland, it was believed that a black cat arriving at the doorstep of your new home signaled prosperity. I would have to agree, as my home has been truly (ahem) “blessed” since the arrival of our Nikki!

Back to fashion…of course Chanel famously introduced the LBD in 1926. Since then, the color black has also been used in subcultures such as Goth and Anarchy. But black has also been the primary color of power suits for aspiring working women from the 1980’s up until the present day.

So, what can I say, given all these contradictions? Dear Reader, all I can say is that I hope you are following your own sartorial joy, wherever it may lead.

Love,

Kristina Christopher