Monochrome is anything but boring, as demonstrated by fashion trends this winter. Rosie Manins shops for black (and little else) in Dunedin.
Where would we be without black?
In fashion hell.
Black says and portrays more than any other hue, flatters every skin tone and forms the basis of many an outfit.
Black is sophisticated, smart, stylish and doesn't show stains.
It makes you feel good when you're not feeling good at all (black mood anyone?).
Above all it is slimming - ending the need for further justification.
Fortunately, black is pliable and will never date.
Whether in lace or leather, silk, wool or cotton, black will endure.
This season black is everywhere.
Winter has always been a little darker, and I suggest the bogan or the goth in us all can be embraced with a little class through some careful clothing selection.
Leave colour for the summer months and come over to the dark side ... In case there is any doubt that black is high fashion, the international catwalks have been awash with monochrome lately.
Designers have showcased new ways to wear the two most flattering colours of the fashion palette, introducing animal prints in monochrome as well as black and white worn in combination.
Roberto Cavalli showed off great black and white outfits in Milan, bringing the catwalk to life with stunning monochrome prints in an array of fabrics.
Floaty, sheer material formed the basis of his seasonal offering, while animal prints spiced up the subdued colour combination.
Rather than harsh blocks of colour, Cavalli let black and white merge in fabrics to create an array of grey shades and a softer overall touch.
The elegant nature of ruffles and delicate fabrics was toughened with leather gloves and big, structured shoulders.
Moschino had a different take on monochrome.
It tapped into the 1960s for inspiration and had models saunter down the catwalk in bold black and white with key features such as stripes and large buttons.
• Closer to home, chain stores and boutiques alike are savouring black on black with a hint of white.
Storm's PU (polyurethane) bust dress ($249) is a great example of texture, rather than palette, being at the forefront of this season's style.
The black minidress comprises a polyurethane bodice and silk skirt.
Its simple cut leaves the wearer free to accessorise, for work or recreation.
Storm also uses black PU fabric in a miniskirt ($139), perfect for winter with black tights or on its own in warmer weather.
The black peephole jumper ($129), uses small eyelet holes through the body to add dimension, and a wide ribbed hem and cuffs for weight.
Worn with a black top underneath and black leggings, it makes for an elegant and simple outfit.
The sateen crop blazer ($229) offers a more sophisticated look.
A lined crop jacket, it features peaked lapels, a shaped hem and welt pockets.
Suitable for the office, it will also smarten jeans or black leather leggings, such as Storm's PU rocker pants ($129).
No Holden wagon or electric guitar required.
Glassons delivers a slightly cuter, more playful collection in monochrome.
A distressed denim skirt ($49.99) in black, showing patches of white thread, can be worn with black stockings and boots, or coloured and patterned tights for the more adventurous.
The texture of the distressed denim adds an interesting element to what would otherwise be a forgettable mini.
Another monochrome mini at Glassons is an elastic-waist skirt ($29.99), which has a thick black waistband and light, floaty black-and-white striped skirt material.
A thick black zip down the front of the skirt makes it less hippie and more street in style.
Wear it with black tights, as the patterned skirt fabric is enough for the eye.
Alternatively, get the same skirt in plain black and wear it with white or patterned stockings.
And who doesn't like bogan tiger prints?Glassons has a $49.99 black sweatshirt with an edgy white tiger head graphic on the front.
It should be worn with a black skirt, pants or jeans as the striking tiger detail is dramatic enough.
A more feminine option is a lace detail blouse ($29.99).
Wear a black singlet underneath and draw attention to collarbones, where the black lace contrasts with skin.
Again, the lace provides enough detail and the blouse is best paired with simple black pants or leggings.
And what to wear on the feet?
Black, of course.
