Fashion: Big block theory!

Colour-blocking in bold, bright hues has made a comeback. Here’s how to spin that colour wheel to your advantage

Colour-blocking simply means combining two or more blocks of colour in your ensemble. While the trend has returned, history suggests that it never really left. Dutch abstract painter Piet Mondrian’s colour-blocking technique has always inspired fashion designers. In 1965, Yves Saint Laurent extended Mondrian’s work to his designs and created the iconic Mondrian collection, which included shift dresses applying Mondrian’s “neoplastic” rules of placing blocks of primary colours, black and shades of grey, and horizontal and vertical separating lines.

Colour-blocking simply means combining two or more blocks of colour in your ensemble; Styling by Tanya Aggarwal; Art direction: Amit Malik; Make-up and hair: Shaan; Models: Aishwarya Bali (TSS Talents) and Ritika Ray; On Aishwarya (left): Blazer by Shahin Mannan; Crop top and saree by 431_88; Earrings by Amama; On Ritika: Blazer by November Noon; Saree by 431_88; Earrings by Amama (Vidushi Gupta)

Use colours that are close to each other on the colour wheel to make sure they pair well together (Vidushi Gupta)

Using similar, analogous hues is easy on the eyes and looks quite chic; Bralette by Michael Kors (Collective India); Skirt by Karl Lagerfeld; (Collective India); Fanny pack by Tiger Marrón; Coat by Two Point Two; Shoes by H&M (Vidushi Gupta)

Colour-blocking used vertically creates an illusion of height. It can do wonders for short people; Pants and top by Zara; Jacket by Vidhi Wadhwani; Earrings by Amama; Fanny pack by Tiger Marrón; Shoes by FILA (Vidushi Gupta)

Colour-blocking with contrasting shades looks great; Dress by Forever New; Cape top by Vidhi Wadhwani;Shoes by Zara (Vidushi Gupta)

The best part about mixing and matching different colours is that one can create a fresh look each time; Corset and pants by Cinnamon Stitch; Jacket by Vidhi Wadhwani; Bag by Tiger Marrón; Shoes by H&M; Earrings by Soulful by Percy Visaria (Vidushi Gupta)

The new generation is mature enough to mix colours to create statement looks; Dress and shorts by Two Point Two; Earrings by Soulful by Percy Visaria; Boots by Aldo (Vidushi Gupta)

Any colour-blocked look can be enhanced with the right accessories; Dress by House of Fett; Cape by Soulful by Percy Visaria; Bag by Karl Lagerfeld (Collective India); Shoes by Melissa (Vidushi Gupta)