10 Maximalist Designers and the Color Theory Behind Their Work
Out with quiet luxury, in with bold self-expression. Breaking down the contemporary names leading the “more is more” movement.
Despite a recent shift towards reduction and neologisms like “quiet luxury,” the fashion world has long held a special place in its heart for color—and plenty of it. Following a period of austere minimalism in the ’90s, the runway has been rife with maximalism throughout the 21st century, led by the likes of Alessandro Michele, Marc Jacobs and the people’s king of playfulness, Jeremy Scott.
An unabashed embrace of excess, major palettes have also allowed designers to channel joy and jubilation, exemplified by the deft skill of Marni’s color-blocked ensembles and Wales Bonner’s application of Pantone shades. Today’s class knows there’s more to color theory than what they’re taught in elementary school, drawing on the emotions, semiotic associations and memories attached to specific hues in the color wheel.
Below, a rundown of fashion’s most influential colorists.