DESIGN- UNDERSTATED AND ELEGANT

Design has always played an important role in the world of buy-and-sell. Why we choose one product over another, despite apparent similarities, is very often decided by the design aspect of the products. Brand value is also closely associated with design. After a brand by virtue of it's designs acquires a good following among the customer base it can demand prices that reflect the success of it's appeal among people. Most of the high brands- think Louis Vuitton, Prada, Hermes, etc, because of their brand image can make customers shell out big money without batting an eyelash! Design really is king in todays commerce...

There is another aspect to design. The design of a period in time reflects the sensibilities of the society and more importantly the mind frame of the society it belongs to. The perspective of people is wont to change with the progress of time; even a day is sufficient to make and break trends and norms. Design thus is an indicator of sorts, of the world at that point in time.

The era of conspicuous consumption, going by current international trends is gradually giving way to understatement and subtleness. This in all probability reflects the wariness and realism of the world today. Because of various events, some very unfortunate, the world seems to be gloating less on it's success, and taking things with a pinch of salt. Of course this does not mean that loud, brash and showy is dead- on the contrary it is also growing but not in proportion to the advance of simple designs. Neither completely eliminates the other, instead one takes precedence over the other, revealing the popular wave of thought.

Brands like IKEA, the furniture company from Scandinavia, made simple lines and contours the defining aspect of their products, and made millions in the process. After a time of unprecedented success they seemed to go into decline, but now a resurgence is evident. The return of understatement is not limited to functional items like furnitures or home fixtures alone. Neither is it limited to products in the reasonably priced bracket. Big high fashion brands and mid market brands alike are taking to the new design motto of simplicity with a vengeance!

Take a look at the collection during this year's spring summer collection of Versace, a designer label that has been associated with the flaunting of wealth and brassiness. Unlike the earlier colections, say even something as relatively recent as the 2003 spring summer collection that were a riot of colors and layers, this year's collection is all clean cuts, prints and neutral colors! Now, if it was Abercombie and Fitch we were talking about that'd be a different thing, but Versace and simplicity?!!

Take even the shoe brands like Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Max Azaria BCBG, Marc Jacobs- each of them is incorporating understatement instead of gaudiness and decadence into their collections. Architecture and interior designing trends are also swinging towards this revolution of simplicity. The ideal rooms today, as one can see in any style magazine worth it's salt, is uncluttered and almost geometrical in it's presentation. The hues and lines have also gotten more forward and direct, excuse me but I just can't find any better words to describe them!

Looking at the global situation and future prospects, at least for the next few years, this trend is not going to change anytime soon. Clean cuts, neutral colors, single color prints and geometric prints... these will rule the design roost for a long time, unless I am totally mistaken. Consonant with all these is the big comeback of white and natural fabrics like cotton. I suggest that every man should have at least one pair of well cut white shirt in his wardrobe this summer and not linen- it's been too over done. Try good old cotton instead; plain white works as well as minimal print.

For the ladies I believe neutral colors like light brown, cyan, black, ruby blue, and gray, etc, will work very well. As regards cuts, try a short dress that comes down to just above your knees in a material with a little lycra. Remember frumpy and hanging clothes are never cool! Go for colours like light brown and be wary of too much prints. Pairing this with a simple pair of Roman sandals and simple accessories will make you look smart, chic and very trendy.

Silver jewelery is also going to be making a comeback. Silver with it's unique lustre is a metal that says cool! Elegant necklaces, veering towards the thin, with bright stone inlays, and bracelets will work very well with clothes of neutral colors.

I suggest that you keep things simple and elegant instead of aiming for showiness and decadence this summer. Whether it be your clothes, home, or any other area of your life remember that simple is beautiful! Ciao!