fashion for faith in four colors

Monday, February 3, 2020

10 KEY COLOUR TRENDS THAT WILL DEFINE FASHION IN 2020

barokah 4:53 AM

With Australian fashion week well and truly over, one thing is certain: the colours of 2020 consist of two distinctly opposing schools of thought.

As ensembles become as carefully considered for the online space as they are for the real world, this season designers did away with flat, obvious brights, replacing them with off-kilter, acidic tones. A preference for kitsch was obvious on the runways, with designers trading the pastel hues of yesteryear for starkly futuristic colour palettes consisting of neo-mint, purple and near-electric blues.

In contrast, enhanced neutrals—think the rusty oranges of Kata Tjuta, turmeric-yellow and the grey-green of sages—offered an alternative for those partial to a more low-key colour palette. These fresh-take neutrals were most often realised in head-to-toe renditions, with accompanying accessories worn in almost identical hues.

While last season fashion's retreat from all things minimalist was seen throughout, black and white made a notable return to the runways—likely a result of eco-minded shoppers looking to invest in pieces inspired by slow fashion, in shades that rarely lose appeal.

Brands known for their minimalist leanings, like Christopher Esber, Bassike, Matteau and Anna Quan, all presented looks ranging from rust and military green, to aqua and fluorescent yellow (albeit, flanked by pieces in black and white, as per their brand signatures).

Cerulean blue at Joseph Resort 2020

The early noughties staple (famously dissected in The Devil Wears Prada) made a welcome comeback on the 2020 runways, after multiple seasons of paler blues.

Cerulean blue at Camilla and Marc Resort 2020

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Shanghai is Number One in World Education Rankings

barokah 3:12 AM

A global educational study called PISA (Program for International Assessment ) tests over 500,000 pupils in over 70 countries every three years. The 2010 results showed that pupils in Shanghai are the world’s best in reading mathematics and science . PISA studies 15 year olds and their abilities in the three fields. The study did not rank China as a whole but Shanghai, Hong Kong and Macao as separate countries.

South Korea, Singapore Taiwan and Japan were other Asian nations that ranked well. In many western countries the reading score was down. In Europe, Finland still stays in the number one spot although it is ranking third overall. Americans are, at best, average , ranking 17th in reading, 23rd in science and 31st in mathematics.

Why have Asian countries overtaken Europe and America in the tests? First, they put more focus on education. Children, parents and teachers know that a good education is the key to being successful. They are not tolerant when pupils fail . Asians believe that if you do hard and succeed in school you will be successful in your job as well.

Starting at a very early age China teaches its children that you can only succeed if you are better than the others. They are tested as soon as they come to school. Only the best can go to college and then get a good job. Examinations are held very often and lists of students rankings are posted on the walls of a school. Shanghai students study much harder than western pupils do and they spend less time on extracurricular activities or sport. Teachers are also respected , paid well and highly motivated .

Sunday, October 1, 2017

How to Wear the Pantone Color of 2017

barokah 1:33 AM

Aaaaand the color of 2017 is Greenery! For its annual highly anticipated Color of the Year announcement, Pantone unveiled the zesty yellowy-green shade (#15-0343) in the hopes to refresh, reinvent, and reinvigorate the spirit as we ring in the new year. It's the color of nature, which means by surrounding yourself with it, you'll feel one with nature—perfect for those who aren't really the outdoorsy type.

“Greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the reassurance we yearn for amid a tumultuous social and political environment,” says Leatrice Wiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose.