Its the go-to for fashion editors, Parisians and the clergy – but could an all-black wardrobe be the sustainable choice too?
If you’re seeking a transformative change in your wardrobe and, by extension, your perspective on life, you could consider embracing the power of all black. We all know black to be a timeless colour that never goes out of style – it exudes sophistication and is suitable for most occasions, from casual outings to formal events. Add to this its versatility, pairing effortlessly with other colours and patterns, and you have a colour choice that’s hard to beat.
‘Going all black not only makes your wardrobe more versatile, but it can also prove cost-effective in the long run.’
But one of the most fascinating aspects of embracing an all-black wardrobe is its connection to sustainability. In recent years, the fashion industry has been scrutinised for its environmental impact. Fast fashion and excessive consumption have contributed to significant waste and pollution. For those who want to move away from this, opting for an all-black wardrobe could be an easy way to participate in the growing sustainability movement. How? Well, black clothing hides stains and wear-and-tear better than lighter colours, allowing your garments to maintain quality and last longer. This means less frequent replacement and, consequently, less strain on the environment. Again, if you’re drawn to minimalism, an all-black wardrobe aligns perfectly with this lifestyle. It simplifies your fashion choices and encourages you to focus on quality over quantity – fostering a sense of order and simplicity that can impact the rest of your life. In a world increasingly concerned with fashion ethics, black can be a statement of conscious consumerism.
‘One of the most fascinating aspects of embracing an all-black wardrobe is its connection to sustainability.’
All of that said – there are some challenges to wearing all black, all of the time…
While the allure of an all-black wardrobe is undeniable, colour, after all, holds a remarkable power to influence our mood – sometimes even veering us towards darker contemplations. The choice to wear black attire can also significantly affect the perception and treatment you might receive from others. Black, often associated with notions of sophistication and authority, can evoke respect and seriousness in professional settings – yet it may also be perceived as sombre or unapproachable, impacting social interactions in more casual or informal settings.
The choice to wear all black carries a fascinating duality – a symbol of confidence and elegance, yet a potential barrier in forging more approachable connections with those around us.
On a more practical level, black clothing tends to show lint, pet hair, and dust more visibly than lighter colours, requiring regular cleaning and upkeep to maintain the look. The limited colour options can also challenge your creativity regarding outfit choices, although this limitation can also be a catalyst for developing a more unique style.
Introducing Turn Black…
Why an All-Black wardrobe? The Non-Colour…
Imagine a clothing label that not only celebrates the colour black but is entirely dedicated to it. How can such a concept sustain itself without becoming monotonous? Turn Black has managed to do precisely this. Based in Delhi, Turn Black is a bold online retail label headed up by Nutan Dayal. The brand only sell natural fibre clothing in black, with undefinable silhouettes and a focus on ‘symmetry, simplicity, functionality, and a fluid design aesthetic.’
They say:
“For Nutan, the founder and CEO of Turn Black, it was no less than a bold move to embrace the thought of staying hidden away and give it an unparalleled expression. The absence of colour made her feel free of the bias, confines, bondage, and arbitrary ways of an orthodox society. Instead of attempting to flee from the tension that brewed within her mind, she decided to get caught up in it even more. The need of the hour went beyond seeking acceptance in a culture that followed trends and rules as defined by a whole and shifted to pushing individuality, self-expression, and what was away from the norm instead. She took it upon herself to represent and style every woman and man who wanted to fade into Black, and to encourage them to be outwardly about it, to identify with it, to wear it like an armor.
Her poetic sense of fashion came to her like a quiet storm in the pitch dark. What started as an idea of self-expression and a novel understanding of “what makes you YOU”, ultimately formed the foundation of the revolutionary brand Turn Black – India’s one and only all-black ethical clothing line.”
Turn Black also say this on their approach to sustainability:
“With terms like “circular fashion” and “conscious fashion” already making the rounds in the industry, we have our chance to revolutionise fashion for good and remap our relationship with nature in a meaningful, symbiotic way. We have spotted the missing moral fibre in our process of doing business and are on our way to addressing it by adopting the “less is more” perspective on fashion as a whole, as opposed to viewing it through the conventional consumerist lens. We pay close attention to where our fabrics are sourced from and are well aware of our social responsibility towards the community of farmers and growers as well.”
So wearing only black is more than just a style choice; it’s a lifestyle that can simplify your wardrobe, boost your confidence, and contribute to sustainability. In fact, it might just be the revolution you’ve been waiting for…
