By Jessica Fell

Whilst there are regular proclamations each season that such and such a colour is “the new black”, I find myself doubting the conviction behind these statements. The universal truth is that black is an enduring constant in fashion, in an industry of such fickleness, this dedication to a singular colour is surely something to be celebrated.

If put under scrutiny, black appears to be remarkably indefinable. When this colour (or indeed lack of colour) is embodied within a garment it can evoke a diverse range of moods, be it timeless sophistication,  powerful austerity , anonymity or resonant beauty.

fashion156 asked a collection of industry insiders if they would have a go at defining the indefinable and questioned just why it is that  black continues to seduce the world of fashion season after season?


"Modernist has a dark side to it and we wanted to really express that. Black, to us, represents control and seduction. It's one of our signature colours."

- Abdul Koroma and Andrew Jones, Designers, Modernist


“Here's my favourite [black] quote, not mine sadly:
"My garments invariably reflect the colour of my moods. Black imparts a feeling of dignity, pathos and inapproachableness."  - Comments of a Countess, 1901.”
                                                                               
- Carolyn Massey, Designer


“I see black and white as having the same magnitude, but in opposite directions…If black were an element, it would be Carbon, (number 6 on the periodic table) Ubiquitous, versatile and compatible with all of its relatives. As carbon is the basis of all life, Black is the basis of colour in fashion.”

- Liam Fahy, footwear designer, Winner of this years Fashion Fringe shoe initiative


“Black - Sophisticated, intriguing, deep, beautiful skin.”

- Lee Lapthorne, On|Off Director and Founder


“Simply sexy in any way...”

- Bernard Chandran, Designer


“A timeless classic colour that crosses gender [and] that can feminize or masculate a design”

- Elliott J. Freize and Khalid Al Qasimi , Designers, Qasimi


“Black is great, [it] makes you look thin and camouflages dirt. what more can you want from a colour!”

- Kattis Bjork and Sophie McElligott, Designers, Bjork & McElligott


“A LBD is an iconic fashion staple and a must have in every woman's wardrobe. Of course I now want to sustain the momentum and produce a certain number of black dresses every season, but I don't want to be limited to just one garment...The LBD should really have timeless qualities, but I always design it in a modern way, so its not 'just a black dress' ,there is a lot of thought behind the cut, the way I incorporate draping and paneling to flatter a woman's body.”

- Osman Yousefzada, Designer


“Silhouettes in black look like a shadow. It emphasizes the shape of the body.”

- Inbar Spector, Designer


“For me black is just another colour- but it's always good with some sparkle.”
                                                                  
- Sophie Hulme, Designer


“Black has lots of qualities: it can be ancient and futuristic, organic and artificial, visceral and dark or [the] sign of a new beginning.”

- Olah Gyarfas, designer for Rozalb de Mura


“I think in black. I design in black. I see everything and I want to paint it black. It’s an affliction. It’s a demon I wrestle with every season and it always wins. My heart is now black.”

- Jean-Pierre Braganza, Designer