The human eye, the camera lens, and the gaze of a quality control operator: three distinct entities but connected by a common thread, VISION. Each has unique characteristics and peculiarities, yet all contribute to creating an image, capturing a moment, and conveying a message.  

THE HUMAN EYE, with its complexity and perfection, is an extraordinary organ capable of perceiving reality in all its richness of details and shades. Its ability to adapt to different lighting conditions, focus on objects at varying distances, and capture a vast range of colors is unparalleled.  

THE CAMERA LENS, a photographer’s faithful ally, serves as the intermediary between the real scene and the image captured on film or sensor. Its selection determines the focal length, aperture, and perspective distortion, significantly influencing the final appearance of the photo.  

THE GAZE OF A QUALITY CONTROL OPERATOR is a vigilant and attentive eye, trained to spot defects and imperfections that might escape a casual observer. Their meticulousness is crucial for ensuring the quality of a product and its compliance with required standards.  

A parallel can be drawn with the fashion world, where color coordination plays a fundamental role in creating harmonious and appealing looks. Just as the human eye perceives different shades and the camera lens captures them, the expert eye of a fashion designer knows how to combine colors to convey emotions, define a style, and enhance the silhouette. From the dawn of a new day to the fiery sunset, the world’s shades unfold in a fascinating spectrum of colors that, like a chromatic journey, transport us from the DELICATE COROLLA OF A FLOWER to the intricate and thick WEAVES OF A FABRIC. 

The color Black

INSIDE THE HUMAN EYE: Similar to white, black is not strictly a color but the absence of visible light. The human eye perceives black when no wavelength of the visible spectrum is reflected.  

SHADES IN FASHION  

Absolute black: intense and deep, a symbol of elegance and power.  

Charcoal black: vibrant and slightly lighter than absolute black.  

Graphite black: with a grayish hue, it evokes a modern and minimalist environment.  

Jet black: intense and tending towards blue, creating a mysterious and sophisticated aura.  

Anthracite: with a bluish tint, it conveys elegance and sobriety.  

Slate black: matte and grainy, it evokes a casual and lived-in context.  

Black is a versatile color that can be used to create an elegant and sophisticated look or a rock and bold one. It magnificently suits every item of clothing, be it dresses, jeans, or accessories, adding a touch of charm and mystery to any outfit.  

FLOWERS OR PLANTS  

Black tulip: with its dark and sensual hue, it’s a bold choice for those seeking a touch of drama in their spring garden.  

Tacca chantieri: also known as the “bat flower,” is a tropical plant native to the forests of Southeast Asia.  

Black hellebore: with its mysterious presence in the garden, it seems to come straight out of a gothic fairy tale. Its cup-shaped flowers enchant the eye with their intense red color, which mysteriously fades towards black, as if they contained the secret of the starry night. 

The color White

INSIDE THE HUMAN EYE: White is not strictly a color but the absence of color. The human eye perceives white when all wavelengths of the visible spectrum are uniformly reflected.  

SHADES IN FASHION  

Optical white: bright, a symbol of purity and freshness.  

Ivory white: warm and yellowish, evoking an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere.  

Chalk white: cold and bluish, minimalist and modern.  

Cream white: warm and creamy, reminiscent of the softness of cream, giving a sense of welcome and comfort when used in an environment. Off-white: with slight shades of gray or beige, it evokes a vintage charm and a lived-in look. White is a timeless color that can be used in various ways to create an elegant and sophisticated look or a more casual and fresh one.  

FLOWERS OR PLANTS  

Lily: a white flower with a sweet fragrance. In Christianity, it is often associated with the Virgin Mary and her purity, as well as a common symbol in paintings and religious icons.  

Lily of the valley: known for its delicate and irresistible scent, reminiscent of orange blossoms. Despite its beauty and seductive fragrance, all parts of the lily of the valley plant are highly toxic if ingested and can cause severe poisoning. 

The color Yellow

INSIDE THE HUMAN EYE: Yellow is a highly visible and stimulating color for the human eye, often used to attract attention in various contexts, from road signs to graphic design. This idea derives from bees, which use their color contrast as a warning signal to predators. This principle, known as “aposematic mimicry,” has been adopted by humans to enhance public safety.  

SHADES IN FASHION  

Canary yellow: intense and vibrant, reminiscent of the bright plumage of a canary.  

Gold: warm and bright, a symbol of wealth and royalty.  

Mustard yellow: tending towards brown, evoking an autumnal atmosphere.  

Pastel yellow: soft and delicate, perfect for a romantic and feminine look.  

Yellow is a radiant and dynamic color that can be used in various ways to create a bold and fun look or to add a touch of color to a simpler outfit. It should be chosen based on one’s complexion: those with fair skin can opt for cooler shades of yellow like canary or pastel yellow, while those with olive or dark skin can dare warmer shades like mustard and gold.  

FLOWERS OR PLANTS  

Mimosa: these fragrant clusters of flowers, whose name derives from the ancient Greek word “mimos” (imitator), surprise with their characteristic peculiarity: the leaves are sensitive and react by closing at night or at the slightest touch. A delicate and fascinating defense mechanism that gives this plant an aura of mystery and intelligence. 

Genista Tinctoria, or Dyer’s Broom: native to Europe and Western Asia, it is appreciated for its bright yellow flowers that bloom in summer. The leaves and flowers were traditionally used to produce yellow dyes for fabrics. This process, known as dyeing, played an important role in the production of dyed fabrics throughout European history. 

The color Pink

IN THE HUMAN EYE: Pink is a color easily perceived by the human eye, being a shade of red. Its brightness and intensity can vary depending on the amount of white present in the mix. 

SHADES IN FASHION 

Powder: Light and delicate, reminiscent of face powder, symbolizing femininity and romance. 

Peach: Tending towards orange, evokes a warm and joyful atmosphere. 

Fuchsia: Warm and vibrant, reminiscent of the namesake flower, symbolizing passion and boldness. 

Salmon: Subtle and delicate, evokes a romantic and relaxing atmosphere. 

Antique Rose: With hints of gray and brown, symbolizes refinement and gives a vintage look when paired with ivory or sage green. 

Pink is an eclectic color that can be used to create various looks: elegant and refined in evening dresses, suits, and outfits in intense pink or antique rose. Romantic and feminine with dresses in chiffon or lace in powder or salmon, or bolder and more creative by pairing accessories like bags, shoes, or scarves in fuchsia or intense pink. 

FLOWERS OR PLANTS 

Cherry Blossom: Spring flowers blooming in clusters of intense pink. The cherry blossom is considered a symbol of beauty and rebirth in many cultures, especially in Japan, where the blooming of cherry blossoms (sakura) is celebrated with hanami, the tradition of admiring cherry blossoms. 

Lotus Flower: Known for its ability to grow in muddy and dirty waters, emerging intact and pure. This ability makes it a powerful symbol of strength, resilience, and spiritual purity. 

CURIOSITY: Elsa Schiaparelli, a fashion pioneer in 1920s Paris, is known for integrating surrealist art into her creations. Collaborating with artists like Salvador Dalí, she created unique pieces that challenged conventions. In 1937, she introduced “shocking pink” with the fragrance “Shocking de Schiaparelli,” characterized by a bottle modeled on the curves of Mae West and wrapped in a bright pink box. This color reflected her bold personality and innovative approach to fashion. 

The color Red

INSIDE THE HUMAN EYE: Red is the most easily perceived color by the human eye. The cones, light-sensitive cells in the retina, are more sensitive to red light than other wavelengths. This is why red is often used to attract attention, such as in road signs and warning signals.  

SHADES IN FASHION  

Fire red: intense and vibrant, reminiscent of fire and passion.  

Cherry red: deep and sensual, like the flesh of ripe cherries.  

Carmine: a bright red pigment extracted from cochineal, particularly from the females of the Dactylopius and Kermes genera. This color is resistant to light, heat, and migration, maintaining its brightness even after long exposures. It is used in various industries such as food (to color sweets, drinks, and meat products), textiles (to dye fabrics like wool and silk), and cosmetics (to produce make-up, lipsticks, and other beauty products).  

Bordeaux: tending towards purple, it evokes elegance and sophistication. Its dark and refined shade makes it suitable for a variety of contexts, from formal clothing to classy home furnishings.  

Coral red: warm and bright, reminiscent of marine coral, perfect for a summer look or to add a touch of energy to any outfit. Pair with white or denim for a casual look, or with complementary colors like blue or mint green for a vibrant contrast.  

Candy pink: soft and delicate, perfect for a romantic and feminine look.  

Red is not just a color; it is an explosion of character and passion that bursts onto the fashion scene. Versatile and powerful, it lends itself to endless interpretations, spotlighting anyone who wears it.  

FLOWERS OR PLANTS  

Poppy: a symbol of memory and commemoration, especially in countries where it grew spontaneously after World War I, such as in Belgium and France. The bright red flowers have become a symbol of remembrance for those who lost their lives in war.  

Punica granatum (pomegranate flowers): have been depicted for centuries in textiles, decorations, and artworks, from paintings to ceramics, for their beauty and symbolic meaning.  

CURIOSITY: the first color perceived by newborns is red. Vision develops gradually, and only after a few months do babies distinguish other colors. In ancient Rome, red was associated with victory, power, and strength. Roman generals wore red cloaks during triumphal parades, and the color was used to decorate military insignia. 

The color Blue

INSIDE THE HUMAN EYE: Blue is the second most easily perceived color by the human eye. It stands out remarkably well, especially against darker backgrounds. This particular sensitivity makes blue often used in signage and lighting to attract attention without being overly straining to the eye. The effect of blue is also amplified by the Rayleigh scattering phenomenon, which makes the daytime sky appear blue and contributes to our perception of blue as a natural and reassuring color.  

SHADES IN FASHION  

Navy: energetic and deep, it evokes elegance and authority.  

Cerulean blue: light and bright, reminiscent of a clear sky.  

Cobalt blue: intense and vibrant, reminiscent of the ocean depths. Its energy and vitality make it perfect for those who want to stand out, conveying passion and self-confidence.  

Teal: leaning towards green, it evokes mystery and sophistication.  

Sky blue: soft and delicate, perfect for a romantic and feminine look.  

Blue is an incredibly versatile color in the world of fashion. It can be used to create an elegant and sophisticated look, such as a dark blue evening dress that evokes a sense of mystery and refinement, or it can add a touch of freshness and vitality to a simpler outfit, such as a pair of light blue jeans paired with a white t-shirt. Additionally, different shades of blue can communicate different emotions: a navy blue conveys professionalism and authority, while a pastel blue evokes calmness and serenity.  

FLOWERS OR PLANTS  

Gentian: besides its medicinal properties, gentian is also used in cooking. The roots of some species are used to produce bitter liqueurs, such as the popular “Genepy” of the French and Italian Alps.  

CURIOSITY: Blue is the most popular color in the world. Surveys reveal that it is the favorite in many cultures, associated with serenity. It is often used in children’s rooms to promote sleep and tranquility. In ancient Egypt, blue was considered a sacred color associated with the sky. Lapis lazuli, an intense blue pigment, was imported from distant lands and used to decorate the tombs of pharaohs and the statues of gods. 

The color Green

INSIDE THE HUMAN EYE: Green is the color most easily perceived by the human eye, as it lies at the center of the visible spectrum. Green is the color of nature and has a calming and relaxing effect on vision.  

SHADES IN FASHION  

Emerald: intense and vibrant, reminiscent of the precious beryl mineral.  

Forest: dark and deep, evoking the color of trees and leaves.  

Meadow: bright and vivid like fresh grass.  

Sage: with a hint of gray, it creates a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere.  

Mint: soft and delicate, perfect for a romantic and feminine look.  

Clothing and accessories in olive or sage green are tinged with romance and vintage style, creating a boho chic look perfect for women who love to stand out with originality.  

FLOWERS OR PLANTS  

Fern: the oldest plant species on Earth, existing for over 300 million years. Through the millennia, these plants have remained incredibly unchanged in their form and structure, offering us a living snapshot of our planet’s distant past.  

Aloe vera: a succulent plant native to North Africa, known for its fleshy leaves containing a gelatinous substance used for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes.  

CURIOSITY: the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, known as the “Green Noah’s Ark,” is a conservation facility located on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen. It stores seed samples from around the world to preserve the genetic diversity of plants for the future. 

The color Violet

INSIDE THE HUMAN EYE: Violet is considered one of the least perceptible colors to the human eye due to the composition of the retina. The retina consists of two main types of photoreceptors: rods, responsible for vision in low light conditions, and cones, responsible for color perception in bright light. However, cones sensitive to violet are present in fewer quantities compared to those for red, green, and blue. This means the human eye has less sensitivity to the specific wavelength of violet, making it appear darker or less intense compared to other colors.  

SHADES IN FASHION  

Lilac: light and delicate, reminiscent of the lilac flower, symbolizing femininity and romance.  

Periwinkle: tending towards blue, evoking calm, serenity, and peace.  

Fuchsia: warm and vibrant, reminiscent of the flower of the same name, symbolizing passion and energy.  

Lavender: soft and delicate, bringing a romantic and relaxing Provençal atmosphere.  

Amethyst: with violet and reddish reflections, symbolizing royalty, luxury, and wisdom.  

COMBINATIONS: An intense violet dress with black shoes and bag, lilac shirt with white pants and yellow sandals, fuchsia jacket with gray skirt and black top, aubergine dress with gold jewelry.  

FLOWERS OR PLANTS  

Violets: small spring flowers often associated with modesty and fidelity. In the French city of Tourrettes-sur-Loup, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, crystallized violets are considered an ancient delight, prepared by immersing delicate violet flowers in sugar syrup, creating a sweet and decorative treat.  

CURIOSITY: In the Middle Ages, violet was considered a regal color associated with wealth and power. Its production was complex and expensive, requiring the extraction of rare pigments such as Tyrian purple. Violet is often associated with spirituality, royalty, and luxury. It was Cleopatra’s favorite color and was used to dye the robes of kings and emperors. In some cultures, violet symbolizes mourning, while in others it is associated with luck and good fortune.