An AC/DC Moment

Jil Sander. Photo Marcio Madeira at Style.com, naturally.

Thank goodness we now have permission to going back to wearing black. After Donna Karan declared brown was the new black, one after another the colors lined up for a turn with fashion arbiters and designers alike wanting to be the one who broke the new color. The "[insert name of color here] is the new black" statement has become a running fashion joke.

Meanwhile ladies (and gents) have been valiantly dressing in hues ranging from Easter egg to jewel, all along knowing full well that no one looks as fabulous as when wearing a tuxedo or a little black dress. Tom Ford. I rest my case.

But this fall the non-color seeped down enough runways that black, it can be confidently said, is back. One need not thrust about any longer for his or her "color," (remember ladies having their "colors done"?) but can relax into black, the only color that's effortlessly chic. How do you wear it without looking goth? Sharp edges and tailoring. How do you spice it up with out adding color? Textures. A silk or satin will be animated by light, a boucle might play with it a little, and a cashmere knit might refuse light completely. Designers have included black-on-black quilting and embroidery, and even some beading.

Cut, line, and drape. It's dressing by Sharpie, all outlines and boldness. !
Sophia Kokosalaki. Photo by Marcio Madeira. Style.com.