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IMAGE INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER - April 2003 issue A Diane Craig Q&A: Up close and colourful It's been a busy and exhilarating season for Diane Craig, and perhaps nothing captured the mood of the times better than this year's Academy Awards Ceremony. At the same time as the world was celebrating the very best artistic achievements of the year, artists and producers and stylists had to pay respect to the unsettling events abroad. Our question was, "how?" Onstage, watchers
didn't know whether the stars would don black out of sombre respect for
world We caught up with Diane just after Oscar Eve. Q: Diane, you're always talking about having your colours analyzed. Is that passé?
Q: But don't people instinctively know what suits them best? Diane: "Yes, some do. But many don't have a clue. And even those who gravitate toward their good colours often do not realize they can wear more than two or three colours. They know they look great in black, white and red but, still, they might have no idea that some blues, greens or yellows would also be stunning for them. Suffice it to say people waste a lot of money buying clothes and accessories that stay in their closet." Q: I've heard about people who are allergic to colours. As Seinfeld would say, ‘what's up with that?' Diane: "Funny you should mention it. We've had clients leave our office in tears because they hated the colours of their palette. Sometimes it has a negative psychological effect but only at first. I guess it reminds them of their mother dressing them in pink or brown all the time and they just hated it, and yet, as it turns out, Mom was right." Q: Tell me about the ‘my closet-is-full-of-clothes-but-I-have-nothing-to-wear' syndrome. Diane: "People are uncertain, and have been like that for years. They are just not sure why things aren't working for them. Very often it's the colour issue. Someone will buy an outfit , take it home, then realize it is draining their own natural colour. Then, to save the day, they buy something else trying to make it work when in fact, all they are doing is spending more money and time on something that never belonged in their closet in the first place. Or look at the person who wears the same clothes to the office, or even a uniform. That decision is easy. But when it comes to buying clothes for other and new situations, they just don't know what colours to choose. It can be such a confusing exercise! " Q: So we really need an expert, right? Diane: "Yes, if you get your colours done wrong, this may turn out to be an expensive mistake. Imagine investing in a new wardrobe only to find it just doesn't work. Many people get by without an interior decorator. But when you walk into their home, and although it is nicely decorated, something is missing. You have to wonder just how much better the home would look if a professional interior decorator had been involved. " Picking Your Colour Analyst Q: And how does one know if a so-called colour expert is really a pro? Diane: "First, ask if they have any references, and then check with the clients they refer you to. Second, how does the analyst look herself? Aren't we all put off by a hairdresser who has horrific hair? Does the colourist project a harmonious image? You might not know how they achieve it, but you sure know it when you see it. Follow your instincts. Then, ask them how they go about the job. If you're comfortable with how the colourist makes her or his decisions, go with it." Q: But isn't there a contradiction here? If we can follow our instincts in choosing an analyst, perhaps we don't need an image analyst at all. How about just buying a book? Diane: "Some make out quite well with a book; others find they just can't figure out what their skin colour really is. For the untrained eye, it is sometimes difficult to get right. Sometimes a bit of sallowness or ruddiness in the skin tone might steer you wrong. And determining our own eye colour is also not that simple. I often look at eyes with a magnifying glass. If you want to buy a book try Mary Spillane's ‘The Complete Style Guide.'" Q: "Tell us a bit about your system with clients. Diane:
"Actually, someone will book an appointment for personal consultation
and as they walk in, I make my first impression. Most of the time, I immediately
have a good take on where we need to Q: Okay. Now with this background, tell us about the outfit you're wearing this evening. It goes so well with your blond hair and warm skin tone, right? Diane's steel green eyes smile: "Never thought you'd ask. This is a St. John's flax-coloured two-piece suit. It's got light navy-blue and soft white accents. I've accessorized with gold and pearl earrings, an understated gold necklace, a broach with pearls, amber and cobalt stones set in gold. That's paired with this two-strand pearl bracelet, and on my other wrist, a stylish gold watch, and a tennis bracelet. I'm wearing St. John's navy pointed pumps with high heels and a touch of gold. The handbag: navy with a gold chain strap. I knew you'd ask, so I chose my outfit carefully." Never forget, first impressions count for everything; you never have a second chance at making a first impression! Sound good? Would you like to consult with Diane Craig? Do you have more questions for this woman of style and taste? Just log on to http://corporateclassinc.com or phone toll free 1-866-513-6364. Next
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events,
or express themselves through bright colours, in defiance of the conflict
abroad. Offstage, critics and fashion experts, Ms. Craig among them, ended
up celebrating the fact that the stars embodied the true human spirit
and, in spite of everything, made the most of the moment with grand glam
and colour. There's always room, they seemed to agree, for great colour.
"Hollywood", Ms. Craig says, "shows us that time spent thinking about colour
is never time wasted. Colours and hues are as important as style, and
very often it's colour that makes your boldest and loudest statements."
Diane:
"No.
Getting your colours done is never passé. Why else would Hollywood
spend so much time and money on it? Knowing what colours suit you is
truly a useful and practical tool, especially when it comes to buying
clothes, planning an efficient wardrobe, highlighting hair and choosing
makeup colours. It also comes in handy when you're decorating your home
or office." 
focus.
But, another client may walk in, looking impeccable. Then I know we will
have to carefully focus on details. When someone appears perfect, I become
a lot more critical. They may be wearing the only outfit that really works,
or they stick with only two colours when they really have a wider choice.
They need our guidance to expand their options. They need and want help
to get to the next step to be more dramatic or softer looking. Looking
great is often a work in progress, for all of us."