Whistler's Mother: Fashion Icon?

Arrangement in Grey and Black: The Artist's Mother, 1871

Oil on Canvas

James Abbott McNeill Whistler (July 10, 1834 — July 17, 1903),  American

The Arrangement in Grey series by Whistler has always intrigued me.  A master of tonal nuances, his work has inspired a number of monochromatic "studies", if you will, within my wardrobe which is a guiding force in my personal style aesthetic.  The cultural significance of the above painting is evident in its nickname and often parodied composition yet the true genius is in the palette.  I believe the same can be said for any great outfit.    

Rust and Red.

ADAM Spring/Summer 2011

Paired with the crisp white and pale gray, this is an amazing color combination. Never fear alternate neutrals outside of the traditional blacks and browns. When you work within the same hue, your options are limitless. Draw color inspiration from objects throughout your environment. Flora, architecture, stormy skies and so much more can hold clues to your next favorite outfit.

Quick challenge...find a scarf or a piece of jewelry with several colors in the design that you like but would not normally put together. Assemble an outfit using these colors but DO NOT wear the inspiration piece. Anchor with neutrals (white in the photo above) as needed to create a cohesive look. This exercise will guide you through expanding your color vocabulary until you develop an eye for mixing on your own.