Coco Chanel
I imposed black; it is still going strong today, for black wipes out everything else around.
Chanel’s perspective captures the dominance of black in design—a color that stands above all others, making a bold and enduring statement.
Yohji Yamamoto
Black is modest and arrogant at the same time. Black is lazy and easy — but mysterious. But above all black says this: ‘I don’t bother you — don’t bother me
Yamamoto’s view highlights the duality of black—both understated and assertive, simple yet enigmatic.
Karl Lagerfeld
One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a Little Black Dress.
Lagerfeld emphasizes black’s ability to fit any occasion, reinforcing its status as a color that transcends trends and time.
Christian Dior
You can wear black at any time. You can wear it at any age. You may wear it for almost any occasion.
Dior’s appreciation for black reflects its universal appeal, adaptable to all contexts and demographics.
Ann Demeulemeester
Black is not sad. Bright colors are what depress me. They’re so… empty. Black is poetic. How do you imagine a poet? In a bright yellow jacket? Probably not.
Demeulemeester views black as deeply expressive and artistic, far from being a color associated with negativity.
Yves Saint Laurent
I love black because it affirms, designs, and styles. A woman in a black dress is a pencil stroke.
Saint Laurent’s quote highlights the simplicity and clarity that black brings to design, much like a precise and intentional brushstroke, reflecting his admiration for the elegance and versatility of the color black.
Riccardo Tisci
Black is always elegant. It is the most complete color in the whole world, made of all the colors in the palette.
Riccardo Tisci emphasizes the timeless elegance of black. He celebrates its richness and versatility as a color that embodies the essence of all others, making it universally complete and endlessly sophisticated.
Alexander McQueen
I think there is beauty in everything. What ‘normal’ people perceive as ugly, I can usually see something of beauty in it. Black makes it beautiful.
McQueen’s perspective celebrates the transformative power of black, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Louise Nevelson
I fell in love with black; it contained all colors. It wasn’t a negation of color…Black is the most aristocratic color of all. You can be quiet, and it contains the whole thing.
Louise Nevelson sees black as a versatile and powerful color that encompasses all other colors. She believes that black is aristocratic and sophisticated, capable of expressing a wide range of emotions and ideas. Nevelson’s appreciation for black likely stems from her work as a sculptor, where she often used black to create dramatic and evocative pieces.
Georgia O’Keeffe
There’s something about black. You feel hidden away in it.
Georgia O’Keeffe suggests that black can be a protective and concealing color. It can provide a sense of privacy and anonymity, allowing individuals to feel hidden from the world. This sentiment reflects the way black can be used to create a sense of mystery and intrigue.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Black in Design
Black has been, and continues to be, a defining element in the world of design. It transcends fleeting trends, embodying elegance, authority, and versatility. As the insights from these iconic designers reveal, black is more than just a color—it’s a timeless symbol of style, confidence, and sophistication. For brands looking to make a powerful statement, black remains an unparalleled choice that speaks to the heart of modernity and identity.
