A rare view of Alexandra wearing a color which ISN’T in her palette. See how it accentuates her facial imperfections under the eyes and making cheeks too pink.
My Mother tells the horrifying story of me as a child in Macy’s being drawn to the neon pink cinquera dresses (I’m from wasp descendants). She couldn’t imagine why her child could be attracted to something so OTT (over the top) and BRIGHTLY tacky.
Nice girls wore tailored classics which were buttoned up and ‘proper’ (I wore a uniform at my first school). I think the emotional attraction to the bright pink was my desire to be noticed in life and in the world.
But my first fashion crush was in motion and I haven’t stopped. In my journey I’ve learned about what colors look good on me thanks to learning color science with Julie Cunningham Color and I no longer try to wear hot fuchsia in public since it overwhelms me and my own coloring.
my love of fuchsia is applied to my photoshoot work
But there is a part of me which wishes I could wear it. Instead of wearing it I get my fix by using bright colors in my editorial work on models.
I was right out of college when I did the training so I didn’t have too many years of fashion mistakes to undo.
But the most painful was learning that black was overwhelming for my coloring and would age and bring down my face.
I had lived in black in my night clubbing days -yes I clubbed too. So slowly over several years I embraced my ‘colors’ and faded out the black. The fuchsia fascination I call my ‘fashion blind spot’. We all have one. Something we love and connect with but it’s not so great on.
a way better but bright color for Alexandra to wear
Many of my clients tell me about those 25 black cashmere cardigans that they just keep adding to-a ‘fashion blind spot’. Color science is one of the major foundations of our work together. There is usually an emotional attachment behind this ‘blind spot’ and I encourage my clients to examine why they might be attracted to that one thing. We all have memories and associations and what we put on our bodies is often a reflection of what we feel or WANT to feel inside.
I would love to hear what your fashion blind spot is. Don’t be shy this is a no judgment zone!
The science of color is one of the foundations of my one-to-one packages. I can help you work with and not against your ‘fashion blind spot’.
Photos of Alexandra shot by Abigail Pope. Model Amber is shot by Bill Streicher
She helped me create not just outfits but a style statement for how I go out in the world in the morning. She’s given me a new sense of confidence, especially when I go to professional meetings