Why ‘rainbow dressing’ may be the answer to your corona blues – Sydney Morning Herald

Unlike many objets d’art in the fashion world, the cardigan probably scored its place in the zeitgeist because of its handspun, almost unfinished quality. It proclaimed: “Don’t worry if you don’t have a spare $2000 to buy the JW Anderson version, hit up Lincraft and make your own!” And they did, the challenge becoming a viral sensation on the video-sharing app TikTok, whose future is under a cloud over privacy concerns.
Last week, Anderson did something very “unfashion-y” when he released the pattern for the cardigan online, so people could have a crack at the genuine article for a fraction of the price.
The popularity of this cardigan is no anomaly, with many designers, Anderson included, believing that we are witnessing a shift towards the bright, the handmade and the individual as we fashion a way out of the pandemic through the clothes we choose.
Before releasing his cardigan pattern to the world, Anderson told The New York Times last month that “utopian fashion” of “completely out there” colours and volumes is what people will want after the pandemic.
Iconic US designer Anna Sui recently told the Business of Fashion podcast that “expression” will replace “extravagance”, and that colourful, handmade-feeling clothes such as tie-dye will become the most desirable objects, similar to the reaction after the industrial revolution when people took up crafts such as knitting.
Consequence of Change ‘Choose Joy’ sweat, $99Credit:consequenceofchange.com
Closer to home, Zimmermann’s resort collection, which the brand released in the wake of responding to allegations of racism, was a riot of multicoloured, ’60s-inspired designs including paisley and a striped sundress. Brands such as Gorman and Romance Was Born have built their brand DNA around a vibrant, technicolour aesthetic.
According to Little Dutch designer Barbara Licuria, the allure of “rainbow dressing” lies in its ability to improve our mood.
“In todays awful climate, if you throw on a bold statement piece … Its a way of taking control of that moment. Inside, you may be feeling totally insecure or sad but on the outside, the appearance is a confident person.”
Licuria’s tie-dye and block-colour sweats have been a hit during the pandemic with both women and men, whom she says have embraced pastel tones of mint, tangerine and lilac. She agrees colour will play a dominant role in fashion as the world moves out of the crisis, as it has throughout history.
Another colour devotee is Beverley Johnson, founder of Consequence of Change, which promotes the work of Australian artists through limited-edition handbags and “positivity” sweats. She says although our lives may feel “smaller” right now, colour can make an impact on a compact scale.
“I don’t think you can feel a lot of joy from

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