How did you get interested in color analysis?
I got my first personal color done two years ago in Korea, and at the time, it wasn’t really too popular in the U.S. Last December, I went back to Korea. I got certified and trained at an academy there. I came back to New York, graduated from Parsons School of Design in May, and opened Ari/rang Color Studio in August. It hasn’t been too long since we opened, but it’s been very exciting.
Why personal color?
Personal color is really all about knowing how to look and feel our best. We’re looking at your natural color characteristics that you’re born with. Think the color of your eyes, your hair, your undertones. We use the PCCS hue circle chart and a 146 fabric-draping method to identify your best colors. By putting these fabrics up against your face, we are able to find the colors that highlight your natural color characteristics. Our studio adopted Korean color-analysis processes, as Korea is very advanced in the personal color world. After getting trained there, I knew I had to bring it back to New York so that I could help people find their personal colors without having to fly all the way to Korea.
What if people don’t like their results or are bummed to see that they can’t wear one of their favorite colors?
Everyone has their own style. Fashion is all about creativity and expressing yourself! I always try to emphasize that I’m not telling you to throw away your favorite dress. The goal is to look and feel your best while wearing your favorite clothes!
Do you have any tips for finding your colors at home?
Start by looking at the colors in your closet, and when you go shopping, don’t be scared to try different things. If you only try on black clothes when you go shopping, you’d never know that you look better in other colors! When you’re shopping, try to be more open-minded. Most people have a hard time identifying whether the color is warm toned or cool toned, but expanding your style preferences will help you be more creative and get closer to finding your best colors. You won’t know until you try, so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone!
How does choosing the right color for you change how you feel?
It can really boost your confidence. Many of my clients feel extra confident walking out of here because they now know how to look and feel their best.
At our studio, we not only look at the colors but also look at fashion and makeup recommendations for each client. They are able to see which colors work best for them and learn how to apply those colors during their consultation. Personal color is also really important when it comes to business, especially if you are client facing, because it’s really all about knowing how to present and brand yourself in the best way possible.
Do people of different races share the same color palette?
People of different races can share the same color palette, as the seasons (color palettes) that we look at in our personal color theories can exist in all races. Maybe if you have darker skin, there are higher chances that you’ll look better in darker colors since they won’t wash you out, but even within the darker colors, we have to look at warm vs. cool tones, brightness, and saturation levels because it really depends on the individual.
Any last thoughts?
Everyone should get their personal color analysis done. I get a lot of messages from clients, telling me about how excited they are to shop and feel good in their best colors after their consultations! It’s honestly life-changing, and I love seeing our clients leave Ari/rang with more confidence and a smile on their face!