Stella McCartney recently teamed up with Adidas to create women’s activewear. A few things are great about the clothing: A high-end designer creating workout gear makes exercise more fashionable and fun; Stella McCartney designed the uniforms for Great Britain’s Olympic team so she knows how to do athletic gear.
Now please take a look at the tights. What do you think?
If your first reaction was, “That looks like an ad for rash ointment,” then you agree with BeWellPhilly’s Emily Leaman and me. I see what Stella McCartney and Adidas were going for. Animal prints are fun! So are bright colors! The rash-like print is not the only iffy part of the pants, but it is the worst. The top is slightly better, but still looks like a before picture for heartburn medicine. Ultimately, red animal print should be avoided on apparel*. Mind you, another color may not have been better, but it would not be so glaringly disease-like.
Another questionable part of the pants is the white hue. White just seems like a silly color for running bottoms. What happens when you sweat or if the light hits you and everything looks sheer? It seems like a problem that could have been solved by someone saying, “Let’s try these in black first.”
These garments are another example of why you need multiple parties to check your work. They are also a reminder to keep people around you who are not afraid to tell you that that oh-so-adorable idea you have actually looks like inflamed skin.
If everyone you work with is too close to the project to give it a clear look, ask a friend, a spouse or even a stranger to see what they think. Strangers, especially, can offer unbiased opinions. You could even try to pick a stranger in your client’s target market if you want to get a knowledgeable opinion and impress your clients with your understanding of their industry.
* I was going to say red leopard should be avoided on everything, but then I saw these cute Leopard Cateye Glasses. Red leopard is fine, just try avoid it apparel, especially tight pants.
