Watching the latest catwalk shows for Autumn/Winter 2013-14 it's impossible not to notice the splash of a vibrant red across different collections. Raf Simons has researched Christian Dior's archives to revive the impressive red coat which was drawn by René Gruau in one of his famous fashion illustrations.
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| Christian Dior and Gimabattista Valli (photos: edited from vogue.it) |
An iconic photograph of Guy Bourdin with red polished nails is able to transmit the incredible energy of this particular colour. Several fashion designers have chosen a bright ripe tomato red to dress their women for next season. But what's the significance of this colour?
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| J. Mendel and Versace (photos: edited from vogue.it) |
Colours can be considered as energy waves, each with its own frequency. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks used colour for healing and colour therapy is often associated with chakras which go back to Ancient India.
"All seemingly solid objects in our world including our bodies are made up of the electromagnetic energy." Thelma Moss
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| Bottega Veneta and Nina Ricci (photos: edited from vogue.it) |
The body is said to have seven chakras or centres of energy, each of them associated with a single colour. If the chakras become imbalanced physical diseases can develop and colour therapy aims to correct these imbalances.
During the nineteenth century the emphasis in science was exclusively on matter rather than on energy. As medicine came under the umbrella of science, it focused on the material physical body and interest in healing with colours declined.
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| Dolce & Gabbana and Vivienne Westwood (photos edited from vogue.it) |
But it's interesting to know red is considered to be the first base chakra. This chakra relates to self awareness and to our basic human instincts such as survival. It is connected with our physical vitality, mental perseverance and passion. Red is a stimulating and energising colour which gives us courage and strength.
An under active chakra might display signs of a lack of energy, of not belonging and not being able to cope. You can boost your red energy by exercising, eating red fruits and vegetables, listen to music with deep beats and wear red! A splash of red can certainly lift up our spirits!
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| Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana (photos: edited from vogue.it) |
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