Final Written Report of project

Miu Miu is famous for its cheerful, playful and energetic colors,which is quite different from her ‘sister’,the classic fashion brand,Prada. Miuccia Bianchi Prada  is the designer of Miu Miu. 'I make ugly clothes from ugly materials: simply bad taste. But they end up looking good anyway.’ Miucca Prada said.I have seen this sentence in some fashion reference book.I think it is a very interesting belief and that is why I choose this brand for the color analysis.

 

We have choosed  the 2000-2009 Miu Miu collection for color forecasting.We have tried to find the collection of 19^th century,but there is rare information,pictures about this and no whole collection can be found.We just find some graphic advertisements of 19th century fashion of Miu Miu.After investigation, it is obvious that the Miu Miu collection is synonymous with a strong identity and an independent creative development. The colour of collection almost is monochromatic (dark brown and light brown) & achromatic (black, white and gray).Low intensity pale colors were used often.Ther is little contrast because of saturation constant.

 

We find that there is a graduate change in the use of the colour of MiuMiu from 2000 to now.i just divide the change into three period.

 

Firstly,from 2000 to 2003,in 2000, monochromatic skin colours (dark brown and light brown) & achromatic (black, white and gray) colours are still adopted as the colour family.It seems there is no change in use of colour.

Surprisingly,from 2001 now on,a variety of colours,like peacook green,dullred,orange,darkblue,etc. are added to the collection.However,in 2002 spring collection,skin colours and archomatic colours came back.In 2003,it use more chromactic colours again.Thus,I believe that Miu Miu is on the transition period of using new colours .

 

Secondly,from 2004 to 2006,more high intensity colors  with low and high value are added to the collection.And the inspiration of this period is mainly 50s to 60s fashion.Like 2004 fall-winter collection,low value and low intensity colors(peacook green,dull red ,darkblue) are used and giving a harmonious image.Cream colors with low value are firstly tried.More colors with different intensity and value which were not seen before (yellow,pink ,cyan,lightblue)are added too.Is seems that the Miu Miu has played effort to changing its previous monochromatic and achromatic colour scheme.In these years,I think Miu Miu has tried many colours and was searching its new unique color scheme.

 

Thirdly,from 2007 to 2009,Miu Miu has found its unique colour scheme.Lots of complementary and analogous colours are widely used .Big colour contrast (bright orange VS green,red VS green )can be found in 2008  spring and fall-winter collection also.And it constantly using certain colours-peacook,dull red,diffent value of brown).

Finally,we analysised that the recent core colours of Miu Miu are monochromatic colours(especially black ,white , light brown) and contrast colours(bright orange VS green,red VS green,red VS blue,etc).Low chromatic colours she also like to use,like dull red,deep green,dark blue and dull brown,which can giving a colour harmony.

 

Now,I understand the meaning of the ‘sentence’.Miucca Prada use the colours that the public will not accepted easily ,the colours she doesn't like and thinks that ugly(peacock green,brightorange,dullred) .It seems that she make ugly clothes from ugly colours:simply bad taste.But end up looking good anyway.She likes to take risks and she won't follow the fashion main stream in the world.She just do what she wants.We can see that being in the forefront is not her choice.She follows her instinct.And even if she question whether what she is doing makes perfect sense to her or others.

The important things for her is that she thoroughly believe in it.

 

In my forecast of MiuMiu 2008 fall-winter collection,as Miuccia Bianchi Prada like using analogous , complementary and monochromatic colors,I predict the core colors of upcoming 2009 fall-winter collection :deepgreen,dull red.I also using skin colours(dull pink beige and beige).All these are the main colors Miu Miu has used before.To become more interesting, I add violet and black to add variation in the colour of the collection.Complementary (e.g.green&red),and analogous colour scheme(e.g.dullred&violet) are the colour system of this collection too.Achromatic black is added in 4 outfit and occupies a greater proportion in this collection.Since i think adding black can outstanding the remaining colour on the outfit and the effect is sharp.The proportion of the remaining colors are evenly distributed as i want a saturated and harmonious effect.Different colour combination has tried(black&beige,dull pink beige&cyan,cyan&purple).Same level of low intensity colours of different hue (dullred,cyan,violet)gives a saturation constant and harmonious image.That’s what I want to let people see:playful,cheerful ,harmonious, energetic Miu Miu.

After this project,my color concept is strengthened  and  i believes practice makes perfect.I would like to try more to apply colour theories in my surrounding and I find it is fun.Colour is the fundamental element in our world and it makes thing look non-monotonous and fun.

Final Tuned Collection

Finally i have picked up these six outfits among the 30 sets.In this forecasted collection, i mainly use low value ,low chroma (dull pink beige,beige)and low chroma colours(dull red,violet and cyan).

Complementary colours are used : dull red&deepgreen,green and dull pink beige

Analogous colour scheme  adopted : dull red/red-vioelt & violet,dull pink beige and beige

I also use achromatic colour : black to the outfits to outstanding the remaining color on outfit.Black occupies a greater proportion on this collection and the remaining colors are evenly distributed.This can helps to creat a saturated ,even and harmonious feeling.

Since almost the colours are in same level of low chroma , there is saturation constant.

Variation of value of red(dullred,dull pink beige and beige) is also exists.

The variety of value of red and dull intensities all help to balance the colour.

Deepgreen and beige (skin colour0can giving a natural feeling and it apply the principle of familiarity.

Miu Miu 2009 FW Collection Forecast

Outfit Design


Colour Family

Collection Colour Analysis(30 sets)

General color forecast of FW2009

Color Forecast

Color Directions for
Fall/Winter 2009

By Roseann Forde, owner, Fordecasting

The overall theme for fall 2009 hues is 'art forms'.  Color numbers that appear below each description are matched to Madeira Classic Rayon

 

Free and firey, warm, inviting colors translate effortlessly from global art galleries to international runways in sensuous forms, body beautiful draping and curvilinear contemporary shapes.  

 

Neutral and sleek, the ultimate in modernity, cool hues in angular constructions work magic in geometrically designed apparel, furniture and accessories in progressive print patterns and smart structured weaves.

 

 

Hip and happy, varying vivid eye catching color, reminiscent of Hollywood glamour, engages our senses.  Film's intellectual, emotional journey and special effects provide fun and fantasy in an increasingly frenetic world

 

 

Rich and majestic, deeply saturated, vibrant shades appeal to a creative sensibility in the forms of painting, drawing, photography, music and literature expressing our experiences and enriching our lives immeasurably. 

 

Upbeat and ethereal, pretty midtones go hand and hand with the graceful movements of classical, modern and latin dance.  Frothy fabrications float through the air, while rock n roll prints generate pounding rhythm.

 

As the global fashion director of women´s and men´s apparel for Invista (formerly DuPont), Roseann Forde researched trends at the retail level and attended runway shows and fabric fairs on both sides of the Atlantic. Every Spring and Fall, major color, fabric and silhouette forecasts were developed and presented by Roseann to the apparel, home and retail trades throughout the U.S. and Canada. She has worked with textile mills to assist them in the development of new fabrics and color palettes. Roseann’s colors are the official palette of the Direction show, held in New York three times a year. Roseann has acted in an advisory capacity to the National Football League, the automotive industry and to major retailers and apparel manufacturers throughout the country. 

Logo & color

It is important to understand the psychology of color choices.

I find that a good color selection can help make an identity system more effective、while a poor color selection can actually damage the company's image in the eyes of the public.

Colors evoke feelings and represent ideas. In logo design、knowledgeable and appropriate use of color is critical.

Here are some symbol and meaning of colors in logo design.

Check out Color Descriptions

BLACK & GRAYS
Formal、mournful、rich、elegant、serious、seriousness、distinctiveness、boldness、sombreness、authority、practicality and a corporate mentality.

BLUES
Authority、dignity、security、faithfulness、trust、reliability、belonging、coolness.
Deep blues: Analytical、serious. scholarly、academic、naval、regal.
Pale blues: Calm、pacific、ethereal、fresh、clean、cool.

BROWNS & BEIGES
Somber、natural、authentic、utility、earthiness、woodiness and subtle richness.

GREENS
Environmental、motion、mobility、wealth、natural、tranquillity、health、freshness.

ORANGES
Warm、cautious、hazardous、cozy、energetic、fun、cheeriness、warm exuberance.

PINK & LAVENDERS

PINK: femininity、innocence、softness、health.

PURPLE
Royalty、spirituality、dignity、sophistication、costliness and mystery.

RED
Aggressive、assertive、intense、strength、vitality、life-sustaining、passionate、courageous、insightful.

YELLOW
Tropical、sunlit、healing、illuminated、discovery、positivity、sunshine and cowardice.

For example,Yahoo! website

Red:courageous、insightful website

Blue: security、faithfulness、trust、reliability,insightful bank

Airwaves

Recently,i have bought the new edition of airwaves-fire and ice flavor.

It is quite interesting that the colour can help to identify the flavor.

Before i eat it,i identify the flavor of fire is spicy and the flavor of ice is mint by the colors of packaging.

Colour can helps to identify the flavor!

Color and taste

This article is quite interesting.It  investigate how color can influence the taste perception.

The Influence of Color on Taste Perception

Palette vs. palate

It’s not a secret that the way food looks has an effect on our willingness to eat it. That’s why top chefs spend so much time perfecting the presentation of their plates, and food companies spend so much money on marketing and packaging. Of course, taste is the most important sense when it comes to enjoying food, but just how important is sight?

Try this thought experiment: a bowl of yellow-colored gelatin is placed before you. How would you expect it to taste, sweet or sour? It could be that you think it will taste sour, because of your prior experience with other yellow foods that are sour, such as lemons and grapefruits. Or you could think it will taste sweet, based on your memory of other sweet foods that are yellow (like bananas or pineapple).

Food producers rely on these kinds of taste associations to help sell their products, and can change their customers’ perception of how products will taste by manipulating their coloring. They go to great lengths to find the perfect mouth-watering hue for their goods because they know when it comes to taste, as some studies have shown, color really does matter.

Blue Steak and Green Fries
In his book Fast Food Nation, journalist Eric Schlosser mentions a study conducted in the 1970s that found the color of food had a great effect on people’s appetites. Test subjects were placed in a room with special colored lighting installed, and then given a plate of steak and French fries to eat. In that setting, the food appeared to be a normal color, but when it was revealed that the steak was blue-colored and the fries were green, some participants became ill.

This reaction can be attributed to our instinctual aversion to certain colors of food, blue and purple chief among them. Since these colors don’t occur very often in natural foods, and in fact are sometimes associated with spoiled, moldy food, we have an expectation that foods of this color won’t taste very good or will be bad for us (although there are exceptions of course).

On the opposite end of the spectrum, certain colors enhance our enjoyment of food because we have linked the taste of a food with a color, even if it differs from that food’s natural color. A prime example of this is butter, which in its original state can be nearly white, but for commercial purposes is dyed yellow (often using annatto dye) because it is seen as more appealing.

Color can even fool our taste buds into perceiving taste differences where none exist. This point was illustrated by a recent study that appeared in the March 2007 issue of theJournal of Consumer Research, “Taste Perception: More than Meets the Tongue.” By changing both the sweetness and the color of orange juice in various increments, researchers found that test subjects ascribed a greater difference in taste between juices of different colors than they did between juices with unequal levels of sweetness.

Seeing Green, Tasting Red
While food companies know that consumers can be influenced by the intentional use of dyes to make food more appetizing, there have also been some attempts by these companies to go the opposite route: creating products in strange colors. Perhaps the most high-profile example of this in recent years was the EZ Squirt ketchup line from Heinz that included ketchups in green, purple, pink, orange, teal, and finally blue. Heinz saw this as a way to get kids excited about their ketchup, and for a few years it seemed to work, although they are no longer producing the crazy-colored ketchup.

Another, not-so-successful, example of this type of marketing ploy was the introduction of Crystal Pepsi in 1992. This colorless, caffeine-free cola’s failure to become popular was most commonly attributed to the disconnection between the color and the taste. It was hard for consumers to imagine a cola being clear, and some claimed it tasted like lemon-lime soda, even though those flavors were not in the beverage (another example of associations affecting taste).

I remember trying both products when they came out and getting a kick out of the sensation of expecting one type of taste and getting another. Rationally I knew that the green ketchup tasted just like regular ketchup, but my brain had a hard time processing that; the green ketchup just tasted different. I eventually tired of making that cognitive leap every time I ate macaroni and cheese, and returned to the formulation that seemed more natural. Even knowing that the bright red color I’d come to associate with ketchup was also a fabrication, my taste buds wouldn’t have it any other way. —Morgen Jahnke

Film:5 Centimeters per Second

Recently,i have watched a  movie called'5 Centimeters per Second'again.It is my third time to watch it.5 Centimeters Per Second (秒速５センチメートル Byōsoku Go Senchimētoru^?), subtitled "a chain of short stories about their distance". is a 2007 Japanese animated feature film byMakoto Shinkai.

It is made up of three stories surrounding Takaki, a Japanese boy, at three different stages of his life.  We meet him when he is young, just in junior high and coping with the departure of Akari - his closest friend, a girl for whom he has developed feelings he cannot express - the year before while also preparing for his own move away from Tokyo and to a remoter part of the country.  We then move to Takaki at the final stages of high school, preparing to move on to the next stage of his life and completely, blissfully ignorant of the feelings Kanae, a girl in his class has for him.  Finally, we meet Takaki again as a young adult, twenty six and giving in to disillusionment.The main theme of the movie is that the distance among people gets shorter when time flies .The speed of the distance shortening just likes the speed at which cherry blossoms fall to the ground 

The illustration is good as it applies the CG illustration system and the color is saturated as many low chroma colors are used.There is variation of the value too.Analogous color combination is adopted:red,red-orange,orange & blue-violet,violet,red-violet & blue,blue green. This color system is also matches its mood-sad,regrettable.

I think the following colors can represent the mood of this film.

Pantone

539     0       48      73     #003049                           
5395    2       40      58     #02283A                           
540     0       51      91     #00335B                           
5405    63      96      117    #3F6075                           
541     0       63      119    #003F77                           
5415    96      124     140    #607C8C                           
542     102     147     188    #6693BC                           
5425    132     153     165    #8499A5                           
543     147     183     209    #93B7D1                           
5435    175     188     191    #AFBCBF                           
544     183     204     219    #B7CCDB                           
5445    196     204     204    #C4CCCC                           
545     196     211     221    #C4D3DD                           
5455    214     216     211    #D6D8D3                           

176     249     175     173    #F9AFAD                           
1765    249     158     163    #F99EA3                           
1767    249     178     183    #F9B2B7                           
177     249     130     127    #F9827F                           
1775    249     132     142    #F9848E                           
1777    252     102     117    #FC6675                           
178     249     94      89     #F95E59                           
1785    252     79      89     #FC4F59                           
1787    244     63      79     #F43F4F                           
1788    239     43      45     #EF2B2D                           
1788 2X 214     33      0      #D62100                           
179     226     61      40     #E23D28                           
1795    214     40      40     #D62828                           
1797    204     45      48     #CC2D30                           
180     193     56      40     #C13828                           
1805    175     38      38     #AF2626                           
1807    160     48      51     #A03033                           
181     124     45      35     #7C2D23                           
1810    124     33      30     #7C211E                           
1817    91      45      40     #5B2D28                           

I also like the theme song of this film very much!!!

One more time,one more chance

The melody and the voice of singer i think is also match the mood of sadness.

Class Exercise 5:Colour Collection practice(30 sets)

My final five OUTFITS

I choose most of the colour family are low chroma colours,dull red,grey,deep green and dull blue.And i have created low value of the low chroma colours in order to make some variation.Low chroma and low value colours can create harmonious image as the colours make little contrast(Saturation constant->same intensity , different hues:red,blue,green).

1st outfit: analogous colour scheme(green&cyan)

2nd outfit:complementary colour scheme(green&red)

3rd outfit:analogous colour scheme(blue&blue green&green)

4th outfit:analogous colour scheme(red&red-orange)

5th outfit:monchromatic colour scheme(greyish blue&cyan)