The Seasons
Let's take a closer look at the evolution of the Seasonal Colour System.
During the late 1970's and early 1980's, the first Seasonal Colour Trend gained immense popularity. Carol Jackson, the author of Colour Me Beautiful, became a household name and her book was a must-have for all 80's Fashionistas!
I happened to be at a convention in Toronto around this time, and the guest speaker for the ladies luncheon was a Colour Consultant by the name of Lynne Hutton. As I watched and became a little interested I heard the words she had a studio in Oakville ON. My ears perked up as I lived in Oakville and booked a consultation.
At my consultation I was colour coded a Winter! I liked that because I could wear black! The studio in Oakville was called Colours of Oakville. Anyone who was trained under Carol Jackson became part of her franchise and studios opened around Canada and the US. They were knows as Colours of (whatever city they opened in such as Calgary) or Colours of Burnaby, etc. Later Mary Kay and a few other colour companies opened up.
The receptionist at Colours of Oakville introduced me to the opportunity of becoming a makeup artist and apprentice image consultant under Lynne Hutton's guidance. Despite initial hesitation due to family commitments and travel, I decided to go for the interview and was offered the position. Thus my unexpected journey/career of being a colour and image consultant began...
Here we go, during my interview I was told that the consultant who coded me as a Winter wasn't correct and I was recoded a Summer. I was a little shocked and can honestly say I was unhappy with this new result, but went on to learn how to become a makeup artist and stylist. Looking back I cannot be more thankful for this experience and training.
During the 1990s, the initial Colour Trend waned, leading to the closure of Carol Jackson's studios transitioning some colour consultants who remained on, to independent status.
In 1997 I took my colour training in Toronto as I had opened a boutique and wanted to understand colour coding to further help my clients. At this time FLOW COLOURS started to appear in colour analysis. AND AT MY TRAINING, I WAS CODED A SPRING! HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE! To be coded 3 different seasons and I worked for the company? I was a happy Spring and could see it now.
Over the years THE SEASONAL COLOUR SYSTEMS have evolved. Some consultants and companies have established different coding systems. With SOCIAL MEDIA and a new EVOLUTION of Seasonal Colours being upon us going from 4 TRUE SEASONS TO NOW MORPHING IN TO 16 OR EVEN 23 SEASONS PLUS UNIVERSAL COLOURS.
New Names have appeared such as Flows, Neutrals, Sub seasons? No more True Seasons? What is going on? CONFUSING? That is what clients often report when attempting self-analysis on social media platforms.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST COLOUR ANALYSIS FOR YOU
Locate a reputable colour consultant, review feedback, explore websites or social media profiles. Opt for in-person consultations or a reliable virtual colour consultant who can discuss the chosen season with you. Following up with a review for any inquiries is recommended.
AT BEAUTIFUL YOU DURING YOUR SEASONAL COLOUR ANALYSIS you will be shown 'everything' as with myself being coded 3 varying seasons I do not wish this to happen to you! Your undertone and overtone will be established, your true season, neutral and flows will all be discussed. You will be confident in the season chosen for you.
Experience, an eye for detail, a dedication to helping people discover their best colours is what you will encounter and appreciate with your Seasonal colour analysis. Select the option that suits you best: Online (if you are far away) or an In-person or group consultation if you live in Victoria BC or are travelling to the city.
I am confident that you will find great value in either options and I can't wait to connect with you!
Your Consultant ~ Shirley Millar, Certified Colour & Image Consultant
