What is Flow Colour Analysis?

The 'Flow System' of colour analysis is based on the following premises:

1. No one is just 1 season (Winter, Summer/Autumn or Spring), rather a mixture of 2, a dominant and a secondary (think of it as about an 80/20 mix).
2. Anyone can flow from their major season to any of the other 3 seasons (Winter, Summer, Autumn, Spring) regardless of weather the person's major undertone. Therefore, 'Cools' can flow to 'Warm' and 'Warm' and flow to 'Cool'.
3. Once we have determined your dominant undertone and season e.g., 'Cool' or 'Warm' and 'Winter or Summer' / 'Spring or Autumn' we ascertain your 'Flow Direction and Season'. There are 6 possible 'Flow' combinations:
   
   • Deep: Winter flowing Autumn or Autumn flowing Winter
   • Cool: Winter flowing Summer or Summer flowing Winter
   • Clear: Winter flowing Spring or Spring flowing Winter
   • Light: Summer flowing Spring or Spring flowing Summer
   • Warm: Spring flowing Autumn or Autumn flowing Spring
   • Soft: Autumn flowing Summer or Summer flowing Autumn

How is Flow Colour Analysis Different from the Traditional Seasonal Analysis?

Like many discoveries, over time the discovery is refined. Traditional seasonal analysis was found to be too restrictive and left too many grey areas where people just did not fit into any one season. Apart from the information above Flow Analysis also differs from seasonal colour analysis due to the following refinements:

1. Colour analysis is only relevant above the waist. The closer a colour is to the face the more impact it will have.
2. Unlike the seasonal system we show clients that not all colours their palette can be successfully worn together, nor will all the colours be flattering worn as single coloured garments above the waist. Understanding your flow season's best Contrast levels is essential to be able to fully understand how to use your colours and shop effectively.
3. Colour is affected by the fabric it is in. Think about the colour 'burgundy', in each of the following fabrics it will look completely different - gaberdine, silk, satin, corduroy and linen. Man-made and natural fabrics also need to be considered: some people do not look at their absolute best in 100% polyester. Texture, weave and the surface of fabrics (matt, sheen and shine) all have their place to play in your best colours. Regardless of the fact that you may haveexactly the right colour any one of the above factors be the reason why the garment is sitting unworn in your closet. This information is vital to know and it's easy to understand. Remember: Knowledge is Power.
4. Radical changes are possible - there are many options for everyone using coloured contact lenses and hair colour changes. Seasonal analysis kept people in a limited set of colours.
5. Age will change your colouring - With seasonal analysis you were told that the same band of colours that suit you when you are 18 will still suit you when you are 80.- Not True! Everyone gets cooler and paler with age. A warm person looks cooler as they age and like the late Queen Mother who was a Spring in her youth (as was Queen Elizabeth) had cooled into a Light Summer in her old age.