Earticle

Sonia Rykiel’s knitwear is unique, not only in its shapes and materials, but also in the combination of colors used with a stripe pattern and an intarsia pattern from an aspect of colors. This study intended to aim analyzing the colors used in Sonia Rykiel’s collection, thereby providing ideas in developing new colors and coloration and basic data for the knit wear industry. For this study, we selected 267 fashion design works that were shown on web‐sites. 601 colors were chosen in Sonia Rykiel's 14 collections from 2002 to 2008. The resulting RGB values were converted into HV/C by the Munsell Conversion Program (Ver. 8.0.1). And then the colors were analyzed by Munsell’s 10 Hues and 12 tone classifications of PCCS (Practical Color Coordinate System). The results of this study are as follows. First, red and dark grayish tone were the most frequently used. In all seasons, red and dark grayish tone were the most prominent. Despite a small difference each year, red and yellow red were steadily used. Second, the use of achromatic colors, which is usually used as a basic color, was insignificant. However, off white and brown were used a lot instead of white and black. This study analyzed the color characteristics of knitwear in Sonia Rykiel’s collections with important role and colors of knit wears. For future study, we suggest the analysis of the color combination and harmony in Sonia Rykel’s collections.