Black to Black

Cupcakes and Cashmere jacket (c/o Shopbop)
Le Chateau top (c/o) (similar)
Zara trousers (similar)
Le Chateau boots (c/o) (similar)
Chanel handbag
Rayban sunglasses
Michael Hill earrings (c/o) (similar)
Strut Jewelry ring (c/o)
Keltie Leanne Designs ring (c/o)
Photos by Christa Wong Photography

When I met with Christa, a local photographer, to talk about shooting fall looks, we toyed with a lot of different ideas about the story we wanted to tell. Photography is a powerful medium for storytelling, particularly since good photos can be worth a thousand words. Eventually, we settled on two fall night-out looks, inspired by Paris and New York, two of my favourite cities. But as the day of our shoot approached, and I prepared my two outfits, I found myself less inspired by the places I’ve been than the place where I actually am. The truth is, both looks we shot would suit a night out just about anywhere – including Winnipeg.

My love for black, which is always deep and lasting, has been particularly strong this fall. I spent the hot summer months in white and denim, and it feels good to be back in head-to-toe black. I know that many fashion industry insiders deride black as boring, espousing the virtues of bold colours and print mixing as the best strategy for showing you have style. But I don’t see black as boring, I see it as a challenge. From my perspective, it requires more creativity to make a black-on-black outfit eye-catching, by playing with textures, fabric and proportions, than it does to simply pair a yellow blouse with a pink skirt. Anyone can wear bright colours and be noticed, because the colours themselves are noticeable. To create an all black outfit that stands out requires thoughtful consideration. Consequently, black is not boring – restrained, perhaps, or discrete, but never dull.

The next weeks will be a testament to my love of dark hues, and I couldn’t be happier about it. This is the first in a series of at least six all black outfits, including another one that Christa and I shot together. I know that many of you share my love of all things black. But just in case you aren’t yet convinced that the darkest shade of the rainbow can also be the most interesting, I plan to prove just how versatile, and visually interesting, it can be.

Since I’m always curious, tell me – what are your favourite shades to wear for fall and winter? Do you embrace darker shades as they days get shorter, or do you ignore fashion rules and wear whatever feels right?