The Palette of Being
Colour is not merely an aesthetic component but an emotional catalyst, a language that speaks to our innermost senses. From the moment we encounter a hue, it stirs something intangible: an instinct, a memory, a feeling. Every shade holds a new, unique saturation. A lighter tone can inspire hope and energy, while a darker one may evoke seriousness or mystique. It is all in the eyes of the beholder.
Colour shapes our moods, perceptions, and sense of identity.
The emotions a colour evokes often reflect our unique experiences and cultural conditioning. For one person, a vibrant red may symbolize passion and strength; for another, it mightevoke intensity or conflict. For yet another, it represents love. The interplay between tone and interpretation is where the true power of colour lies.
Historically, colour has served as a potent medium for self-expression. In ancient Egypt, blue was the colour of the gods, symbolizing protection and the divine. During the Renaissance,the expense of ultramarine made it a symbol of wealth and piety, often reserved for the Virgin Mary’s robes in religious paintings. On the other hand, red has long been associated with power and vitality, from the ochre pigments used by early humans to the crimson cloaks of Roman generals.
In fashion, colour has often transcended utility to communicate identity and status. The sumptuary laws of the Middle Ages dictated who could wear specific hues, with purple reserved exclusively for royalty due to the rarity and cost of Tyrian dye. Fast-forward to the 20th century: colour became a tool for rebellion and self-definition, from the psychedelic tones of the 1960s counter culture to the stark monochromes of punk in the 1970s.
Yet, colour is more than history; it is deeply subjective. Modern psychology has revealed how hues influence our emotions and behaviour. Blue is often linked to calmness and trust, making it a staple in corporate branding, while yellow, associated with energy and optimism, can also heighten anxiety when overused. These associations vary across cultures: forexample, white symbolizes purity in the West but mourning in much of East Asia.
In this fashion editorial, The Palette of Being explores how colour creates identity andreflects our inner worlds. It is a journey through the language of shades and emotions, atribute to how colours adorn us and shape how we see ourselves and each other.
Every hue tells a story, from earth tones’ subdued elegance to neons’ unapologetic vibrancy. What does your palette say about you?
Photography Magnus Swärd
Styling Levi Sebastian Martinez
MUAH Ugla Snorradóttir
Stylist’s Assistants Oyunsuren Tunsug & Rodrigo Hyago
Model Livia Benz | Stockholmsgruppen
Words Johanna Ljunggren
Editor in Chief Sandy Kirik
READ MORE
