Contrast Is NOT Color Blocking. Understand This Concept.
- Débora.
- Oct 9, 2024
- 3 min read
I always say that: within the Kibbe Body Types, the contrasting silhouette is a styling concept. It is not a specific cut, a type of straight, fluid, or relaxed fit. Nor is it something that can only be achieved with color. It is a styling approach that seeks to "divide the parts" of the body into small details. This can be done through colors, layering, trimmings, seams, etc.
GAMINES!
Of all the body types in the Kibbe Body Types, Gamines are the ones we instantly think of when we hear "contrasting silhouette." However, I notice that the recommendation, mixed with another one for this type—using vibrant colors—creates an illusion that "contrasting silhouette" is practically color blocking. This leads many Gamines to simply dislike the result if they are not "colorful" individuals. Going beyond the obvious, we must understand that everything is about harmony—indeed, harmony through repetition. In Kibbe, Gamines effectively utilize this styling technique because they belong to a more compact family with contrasting features. For them, the staccato silhouette serves the purpose of repeating the natural contrast of their body type, which consists of extremely opposite and complex traits, all mixed within the same ID.
HARMONY & context.
You need to understand that your body is always a context and not a series of recommendations in isolation. I have heard many testimonials such as, "I didn't identify with my body type at first; it was a process for me to accept who I was" due to the stereotypes we often hear, which make it seem like Kibbe is a simple sum of 2+2. In practice, that is far from the truth. I try to demystify these stereotypes as much as possible within the Kibbe Course so my students can look at styling not in a stereotypical way but truly understand what works for them to apply the method in different scenarios, routines, and with different clients. Another point I emphasize is that the contrasting silhouette is not restricted to Gamines. Of course, the direct benefit of the staccato silhouette only applies to Gamines; they need it. However, there are other body IDs that will not be harmed by the contrasting silhouette.
CONTRASTING SILHOUETTE + OTHER TYPES
The Flamboyant Natural is one of those types; since it requires a very deconstructed silhouette, we can incorporate various irregular elements along their silhouette. The Theatrical Romantic is also not harmed, but for a different reason: because it requires many details in their styling, it also supports a certain contrast in silhouette. Contrary to what many people think, the Dramatic Classic would also sustain a slight contrasting silhouette with color (as long as one of them is repeated linearly). We owe this fact to its dramatic trait, which calls for contrast. In other words, we move away from the idea that this body type could only use monochromatic colors in its composition.
And my Kibbe Course is designed to deepen everything you've just read.
It is important to me that my students understand that Kibbe is a contextual reading; things will only make sense when we read the situation itself. Sometimes, something we think is only associated with a particular Kibbe can serve other body types for different reasons, creating another effect, as we just saw. Within the course, there is a module specifically discussing the complexity of Kibbe and how students can identify and creatively resolve situations like the one presented in this post. During the course, we will think beyond theory, exploring possibilities within each context, which will give you the confidence to think outside the box when applying Kibbe consulting. The classes are recorded, giving you the freedom to fit them into your daily life as you see fit. Subscribe now!
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