Alright, you guessed it! I’m the Charlotte Artist who has taken the concept of color blocking and well, literally, made a block of color.
In my opinion, color blocking in art and fashion are similar. Essentially, the idea surrounds the use of contrasting blocks or panels of solid, typically bright color. In fashion, color blocking tends to modernize a look by creating minimal shapes and clean lines. The same can be said for visual art.
The method, really, is narrowing a construct down to its essence. To articulate this idea, I wrapped a cardboard box with yellow wrapping paper and sealed it with clear packaging tape.
Can you see the BLOCK of color here?
The yellow box actually fit well and stayed on quite nicely. Chances are, you will spot me modeling more color block designs around Charlotte soon!
Fashion Inspired by Art: Piet Mondrian’s Color Blocking
The Dutch painter, Piet Mondrian, is credited with influencing the color block movement in fashion. Mondrian’s work consisted of widely spaced, black grid lines and blocks of primary colors. Mondrian’s influence is very much alive in fashion, interior design, and architecture.
Perhaps Mondrian subconsciously inspired the initial concept of this design. Who knows! I’m not sure how the initial idea found its way into my head. I’m sure the origin will surface eventually (probably when I’m brushing my teeth in the morning).
Typically, with color blocking and in Mondrian’s work, little pattern is utilized. However, for my outfit design, I chose to incorporate a pattern. The idea started with the Liquorish floral skirt from Asos. Liquorish is an understated brand that specializes in modest yet loud patterns and designs. I love that this skirt fits seamlessly around the waist without any awkward bunching. Also, let me just say, THANK YOU LIQUORISH for including a slit. A slit is a huge plus in a midi skirt. It’s like a stage curtain for your shoes!
“Color blocking: the use of contrasting blocks or panels of solid, typically bright color.”
Concepts of Art and Fashion Modeled on Streets of Uptown Charlotte
So the question came; What do I pair with this lovely skirt? Ugh. One of the reason’s I’m a dress lover is because it’s “one and done,” so to speak. If this skirt were a painting I’d say the work is complete! Why add anything else to distract from its beauty?
Well, we can’t go around topless. I was searching for a solid color top that didn’t conceal the waist and decided to construct my own. The yellow box executed exactly what I was looking for in a blouse or sweater: simple shape, vibrant color, and illusion waist.
Shall we all start wearing boxes on the streets of Charlotte? 😉
My hope is that this look will bring you joy! The next time you look at a mural in Charlotte, try to decide if the artist used concepts of color blocking like painter Mark Rothko. Does your style include concepts of color blocking? Let us know in the comments below!
~Alexandria