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The color of pollen, clothes, and money
by A. I. Baruti KMT
Spring has arrived, and with it so has the wide array of colors that indicate such. As one walks through the mall, competing stores seem to possess a twin-like appearance; more so in terms of colors, and in some cases apparel as well. As one notices these overwhelming similarities, the mind should wonder to what is owed such striking resemblances.
For instance, the color that is referred to as "lime green" or "chartreuse" seems to not only rest on cars, sidewalks and cause allergy sufferers a considerable amount of discomfort, but seem to take on a ubiquitous nature when in the malls. The question that begs, is how has this pollen colored "nuisance" come to be among us? The mind can only wonder or wander if you prefer to a possibility. Consider the following example:
The weather was unseasonably cold on this September day in New York's garment district. Several top designers received their annual invitation to attend the spring and summer planning session in the Big Apple. Designers such as DKNY, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, Perry Ellis, and a host of others were in attendance. In addition, Nike, Adidas, and Reebok also were represented.
Amid the cigar smoke filled room, there sat the who's who of the fashion and shoe industry. Typically, these meetings last for several days, and this gathering had been no different. Among the discussion were two items of great importance: socialization and profits.
In the area of socialization, many designers looked at the masses as being somewhat gullible, and had no problems using this to their advantage. One designer asked the question, "what will be the new color for spring?" the sudden quietness in the room caused a moment of uneasiness among the attendees. Then, a well known women's designer spoke up and said "well some of my people tell me that this year should be no different than the last few years, so our suggestion would be to use as we have in the past, chartreuse." Some of the members immediately ceased their incessant cigar chomping, while others laughed; not because her words were funny, but because they were certain that the buying public were socialized enough into buying it again. The decision was made to move forward, but further discussion was needed.
The meeting then shifted to the question of profits. Many were concerned that the popularity of the colour in past seasons would prove uneventful in terms of profits. When again, the same women's fashion designer spoke up, but this time her friend on the men's side of the fashion world spoke up as well. They suggested that their colleagues were overreacting to the question of profits. A solution could be as simple as adding or removing a button, lowering the waist, or adding their names or insignia to the fashions of this season in order to distinguish them from seasons past.
The suggestion was made to begin production in the various outlets, while making plans to have a notable actress adorn the color during the spring pageant of stars, commonly referred to as the Oscar's.
Many in the room laughed and continued to chomp on their cigars, yes even the women designers. The annual spring and summer planning session came to a close, with not only positive vibes on the fashion front, but more importantly on the economic horizon.
After months of designing and promotional hoopla, the spring lines arrived in the stores in February. The colors were bright, and the minds of the shoppers quickly shifted from the Christmas shopping season and the bills incurred, to the thought of spring and all of the possibilities for a great summer.
Although the above account is fictional, "any resemblance to actual persons, places, events, or colors is purely coincidental." Despite the fictionality of this account, be not fooled into thinking that there are not those who consider you to be not unlike sheep being led to their slaughter.
The question that now must be asked, is will you begin to look at the forest instead of the trees? For in the end, the forest provides a clearer understanding of life, while the trees provide a picture. Which do you want?