COLOR Fashion's favorite collections fade to black

Designers find black is a comfortable color that can be easily accessorized.
SCRIPPS HOWARD
That old black magic had more than a few designers in its spell this season.
Fashion's main man Tom Ford visited the dark side in his sexy collection that emphasized feminine touches (ribbons, ruching, slit sleeves) and shine. Helmut Lang and Calvin Klein took a clean, modern approach to presenting the shade. Ralph Lauren perhaps made the most dramatic splash with an all-black show that ranged from classic menswear to gorgeously gothic.
Black is a color is that is shrouded in symbolism. According to About.com, it radiates power, sexuality, sophistication, style and mystery. Also, it stands for evil, anger, sadness, and, of course, mourning.
In the jewelry world, black Tahitian pearls and black diamonds are the rage. There are few other black gems, some of them with many folkloric facets.
Hematite, a grayish-black metallic stone called "the black diamond," is said to form a shield around the wearer, deflecting negativity. Jet, a velvety and coal-like stone, is believed to be grounding and balancing, and allegedly carries an electrical charge which draws power and knowledge to the bearer. It is also said to alleviate migraines. Onyx, a popular stone in ethnic pieces, supposedly helps people focus and banishes old habits.
Becomes a habit
In the fashion world, wearing black is a hard habit to break.
"I don't know any woman who doesn't wear black," said Kelly Clayton at Pam Kelly, a boutique in West Knoxville, Ark. "That's the only color I want to wear in the winter. It's such a comfortable color. You can mix different things with it, and it's easy to accessorize."
Susan Benhayon, manager of Shanel Boutique, said, "I love to wear all black. It feels so sophisticated, so timeless. A black turtleneck with a black skirt, a black belt and some black boots -- that's a great look. There are few places you can't wear that."
The color is also the master of illusion.
"It's slimming," Benhayon said, "and women love that. It's very flattering."
Black is perhaps the ultimate neutral. It looks good with most colors.
"I love black with red," Benhayon said. "I think that is just fabulous."
Perfect combination
It can also be combined with silver and gold, blue, brown, purple, pink, and its popular counterpart, white, which was the "it" color for spring and summer.
"Put a pair of black pants with white blouse," Clayton said. "Everybody has them (white blouses) in their closet. It's an easy outfit."
Another no-brainer is the black dress.
"Everybody needs a little black dress in their wardrobe," Clayton said. "If you don't want to buy a new one, you can accessorize it differently."
Benhayon added, "It's a classic. It's the kind of thing you can wear again and again. There are so many occasions that you find a need for it."
Another wardrobe essential is the black suit.
"Everybody should have a black suit," Clayton said. "It is very versatile. You can wear it just as a suit or wear it as separate pieces with other things. Also it's great if you in a career wear you have to wear a suit, or need one occasionally."
Touch of spice
Style.com suggested some ways to spice up a black outfit. High on its list are a black alligator doctor bag, a sparkly scarf or some chunky ethnic jewelry.
Want to add a touch of black to your closet? Benhayon picked a lace piece (top or skirt), a wide leather belt, a leather skirt, pant or jacket, and a fur vest or collar.
Style.com recommended, "Let your old Dr. Marten's R.I.P. Opt for a pair of sexy, sophisticated boots."
In the fickle circles of fashion, some hot color is always touted as "the new black." For this fall brown took on that moniker.
"Not everyone can wear browns, camels and khaki," Clayton said. "There is nothing that is going to take the place of black. I don't care what they say."