Bridge For Design Spring 2014 Bridge For Design Spring 2014 Issue | Page 70

DESIGN TRENDS | view point

DON’T CHASE TRENDS
There isn’t a wrong colour, only colour in the wrong place says Julia Brendel

I

am always surprised at how the fashion and fabric
industries force new trends on designers, buyers and
clients. I understand the need for the ‘new’ and ‘the
race for clients’ with fresh collections. But colour is
such a personal thing.
My mum, who is an historian of art, says that there isn’t
a wrong colour, there is only a colour in a wrong place, and
after years of working in the art and design industry, I have
learnt that she is absolutely right. Another thing that I have
learnt is that the classics never disappoint.
As much as I understand this need for colour trends in
fashion, I feel that in home furnishings colours should reflect
personal preferences and not be forced by what is dictated,
just for the sake of it.
My clients still prefer to live surrounded by colours they
feel comfortable with. And what is comfortable varies from
person to person.
I like to play with colour and only use what I think works
in a pattern. I do not chase the newest trends but experiment
a lot with different combinations and when I like it, the
decision has been made.
I may be wrong, but when I design I do not look at other
people’s work as I do not want to be influenced or tempted
by colours that someone else thinks may be fashionable this
year. I want my fabrics to last a bit longer than that.
So, although I use a lot of classic colours like golds, blues
and reds I also try to contrast them with more controversial
ones and see what emerges. I also do not like to use too much
grey. I think there is enough of that in our daily lives.
I think that every designer’s duty is to be truthful to his or
her own vision. Following a trend is lazy and compromises
individual talent and is nothing more than playing it safe.
You cannot please everyone and what I have found with
my colour ranges is that they work for some and not for

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Bridge for Design Spring 2014

others. I’ve been told a few times that my colours are ‘not
English enough’. Indeed, they shouldn’t be because my
current collection is inspired by different cultures where
colours are more vibrant, more surprising and inspiring.
Others love them and are excited about seeing something
truly different.
People see colour in different ways depending on their
geographical locations and cultures.
In Africa for example, greens and blues are seen as almost
the same colour and in fact, there is also less terminology in
local languages to describe these colours.
As a contrast there are more oranges and reds in the
landscape so people see those colours better and use them
more and the vocabularies reflect this.
Where we live, especially in the UK, we see colours in
hues of blue, almost through a misty grey filter and this is
probably why people will always be drawn and feel at home
with bluey-grey palettes.
I looked at the newest trends in colours for the purpose of
writing this article. It looks like there are lots of colours that I
have included already in my designs. It only shows that
colours come and go, just like trends in fashion.
I will continue to choose what I think is right for each
design and project and hope there will always be people who
can see through my eyes. B

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Julia Brendel
Julia Brendel Limited
T: [phone] | www.juliabrendel.com