There is no better time to talk about color than in June. Not only are our surroundings in full summer bloom but it’s also Pride Month!
The colorful rainbow flag has become a Pride icon— symbolic of solidarity, power, community and queer culture. Created by activist Gilbert Baker, he also assigned every color a meaning: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for harmony and purple for spirit. You might also see a version of the flag with black and brown stripes that pays necessary attention to the issues faced by people of color in the LGBTQ+ community.
With the meaningful rainbow flag flying in celebration of an equally colorful community, we decided to chat with our amazing Design Director Jules Power about the importance of color in both her work at Knix and in life. If you’ve ever been in love with one of Knix's prints or colors, you have Jules to thank! Meet Jules.
Hi Jules! Walk us through the process of selecting colors and prints for Knix.
I start by looking for inspiration. I usually look to art, music, design and social media. I’m a huge fan of street style so just taking a walk down Queen Street West (home of our Toronto storefront!) often gets the creative juices going! From there I pull together color palettes and prints that feel fresh and exciting for Knix.
What’s your favorite part of the process?
Probably one of the most fun parts of my job is the research! I love connecting with people and hearing about their experiences with Knix— what they love, what they wish we would make.
What is your favorite print or color you’ve designed at Knix?
Ohhh that’s a tough one - I have so many favs! Ok, I’ll let you in on a little secret, we have the most amazing shade of golden yellow coming out this fall— it’s my new favorite. I also really love the WILDFLOWER print that we released last month. It looks so great on everyone! (You can still snag the undies here)
Who is your biggest design inspo right now?
Currently, I am obsessed with Tracee Ellis Ross, an actor and business owner. She has the most AMAZING personal style and also created a haircare brand called Pattern that has incredibly cool branding and packaging. Tracee’s energy and positive vibes really inspire me on so many levels.
What prints and colors in fashion do you predict will define the next decade?
Good question! We’re at a hugely pivotal point in the world, our attitudes and behaviours are shifting dramatically so I believe fashion will start to look and feel different too. We’re going to be seeing lots of neutral colors that inspire calm and comfort. We’ll also see shadowy darks and colors from nature.
What’s your favorite color and why?
I gravitate towards earthy tones like warm spice, sandy brown and terracotta. They remind me of sun-baked, summer days and a very special trip I took to Kenya.
How do you live a colorful life both at Knix and outside of work?
My friends, family and co-workers are such a diverse group of people who truly fill my life with color! I love exploring their worlds and learning about different cultures and lifestyles, it is what keeps life bright and exciting for me. The world is full of color - there is so much to learn and experience.
Are there any BIPOC LGBTQ+ designers or artists we should be paying more attention to?
Kenesha Sneed is one of my favourite artists.
Aurora James is a super cool sustainable footwear designer based on Brooklyn who works with artisans in Nairobi, Kenya.
Cass Bird is a phenomenal LGBTQ photographer (she’s brilliant).
Tasya van Ree is a must ‘get to know’ if you like art! Please check her out!
Leah Thomas is a very inspiring environmentalist activist and writer.
Want to keep up with all of Jules’ creations? Follow us on Instagram to be the first to know about new prints and colors!