Page 106 - DMGT552_VISUAL_MERCHANDISING

Unit 5: The Basics of Visual Merchandising

The Principles of design are the results of your working with the elements of art. Use them in Notes
every piece of art you do and you will be happy with the results.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:

14. Balance can be symmetrical or evenly balanced or .......................... balanced.
15. .......................... is a movement in which some elements recurs regularly.

5.4 Colour Blocking—People Buy Colours

Colour blocking is using colour as a tool to merchandise products for sale. E.g. using all red
handbags on a fixture or wall section then focusing on another colour for the next fixture. One
common way to colour block is to use light to dark from left to right. Colour blocking is used to
make it easier to shop and more visually coherent.
Colour-blocking also is an effective visual tool to separate and differentiate products that may
be part of a larger comprehensive product category but where certain subsets of product families
exist and exhibit subtle differences. These differences may be product size, application, durability,
quality or some other functional difference that warrants separation from other related products.

In this manner, colour-blocking can easily convey to the shopper where to focus their purchasing
decisions by helping them focus in a particular area or on similar products within a set area.
It can also help facilitate easier ‘compare and contrast’ efforts between products in the same
category but with different features and benefits.
Thus, the term colour blocking always meant several different colours on one article, such as a
handbag or a top, for example. It shouldn’t refer to wearing a different colour top than bottom,
or adding a different colour scarf or handbag.

Colour blocking is most commonly styled with bright colours. Often almost neon shades! That
isn’t something for the faint of heart. However, you can still wear the colour blocking trend by
doing the simplest definition of the trend. Combine two solid block of colour.
Colour blocking is just that, wearing blocks of colours. For the most part this is what we do
anyways when we dress, but Spring 11 “colour blocking” is an exaggerated version. To get the
colour blocking look you want to go for bright and bold colours. There are some rules to follow,
however, and here they are:

 Louder the Better: If there’s never been a better time to wear loud pops of colour, it’s now.
Take advantage of the opportunity to be loud for no reason and still be fabulous.

 Clashy Attire Only: Don’t be afraid to clash. We’re so used to the same coordinating
colours but try pink and red. Try navy and black. If you’re hesitant, you can always stick
to the old faithful complementary colour wheel. That thing is fail proof.

 K.I.S.S.: Keep It Simple Sister! This look will look best with neutral accessories. Grey is the
new neutral tone. Grey belts, shoes, accessories will compliment your outfit nicely.
 Three’s the Charm: Stick to 2 or 3 colours max. It makes for a more interesting outfit.

If you’ve never used a colour wheel before, don’t worry. All you need to know is how to draw
a line straight through the middle of the wheel from one side to the other. This is how you
identify which colours traditionally compliment each other.

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