From trends to emotions, the many powers of color

During a Premiere Classe x LE BOOK conference, stylist and color expert Aurelia Belleti discussed the cultural significance of color, and its influence on our subconscious.

Why does wearing red give us energy? Because color acts on our emotions. More than a mere aesthetic choice, it is a strategic tool that acts on our subconscious and builds our perception of brands – sometimes even more than logos. 


“Before Coco Chanel, black was only worn for mourning”, says stylist and color expert Aurelia Belleti. “But thanks to her petite robe noire, it has become a symbol of elegance. Chanel has transformed its cultural significance.”

When History makes color 

Examples abound in both fashion and pop culture, reflecting, at the same time, the history of our societies and our consuming habits. 


In the 1920s, when American fiscal authorities required beverages companies to separate alcoholic and non-alcoholic products in warehouses, Coca-Cola chose to store its bottles in white and red boxes. The rest is History: put together, these two colors have become inseparable from the brand.

“Colors have become a selling point in themselves. When established for decades, they become a part of our collective memory”
Aurelia Belleti

Color as a guarantee

During World War II, a shortage of beige cardboard gave birth to Hermes’ infamous orange – the only color that its supplier had available at the time. At Christian Louboutin, a shoe sole painted with nail polish was the spark that created the brand signature.


Colors have become symbols of quality and credibility, subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) signatures that also act as markers of belonging.

The 2027 color trends

Every year, color trends say a lot about our concerns and desires. Here are next year’s best sellers, according to Aurelia Belleti. 


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