The color grey refers to any shade along an achromatic continuum between black and white. It takes on a host of various expressions with fabrics usage, appearing raw or refined. It also acts as a metaphor, relating to a subjective matter or difference of opinion - “a grey area”. The relative nature of grey extends from a person’s mood to perceptions of the natural world: add luminescence or reflected light and a gloomy grey cloud has a silver lining.

Menichetti a/w 2006-7 www.style.com

Grey overlays or mixes with chromatic colors to create subtle hybrids such as “greige” (beige-grey, which apparently is an Armani trademark) and blue-grey, etc. No-one quite explores the boundaries of grey like film maker Tim Burton:

screenshot from Tim Burton’s “Corpse Bride” © 2005 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

screenshot from Tim Burton’s “Corpse Bride” © 2005 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

In the world of fashion, Roberto Menichetti’s a/w 2006-7 collection is a beautifully structured example of the urbane side of grey. The following looks seem to emerge straight out of classic Italian cinema amidst a backdrop of post-war reconstruction:

Menichetti a/w 2006-7 www.style.com

Menichetti a/w 2006-7 www.style.com

Menichetti a/w 2006-7 www.style.com

Menichetti a/w 2006-7 www.style.com

Menichetti a/w 2006-7 www.style.com

Menichetti a/w 2006-7 www.style.com

Menichetti a/w 2006-7 www.style.com

Menichetti a/w 2006-7 www.style.com