The proof is in the number of community groups that draw color inspiration from all things fashion–what members are wearing, what they see in magazines and on runways, what designers they love, and what muted, bright and brilliant palettes and patterns they dream up.

Today we're looking at just a handful of the style-minded groups here at COLOURlovers. Don't see yours? Tell us all about it. Starting one of your own? We'd love to know about it, too. In the meantime, here's what some of the fashion-inclined color lovers are up to.

Foto Decadent

Inspired by editorial shots in the Livejournal community of the same name, Foto Decadent turns the avant-garde into unexpected couture palettes and patterns. Lovers typically attach a photo of their inspiration, too; here's a brief sampling of what's in the group's repertoire right now.

Colours I am wearing today

The unofficial style diary of COLOURlovers, Colours I am wearing today offers its 141 current lovers a way to share their daily ensembles--at least from a color standpoint--with fellow lovers. Lovers are encouraged to detail which colors and patterns match which items of their wardrobes, but that isn't a requirement. Sometimes, an idea based on the color choices and titles alone can be inspiration enough.

The natural world will forever be our greatest source of color inspiration. Not a day or season goes by without being able to find a profound experience of color: After the white snow melts away taking with it the stark contrasts of bare tress and black shadows, the grass's green becomes richer each day, until one day. And as quickly as the first transformation happens, an opposite and equally powerful transition takes place. The green retreats, fading into shades of grey and making way for the falling white to come again.

In appreciation for these very colors I have selected, some of the world's richest, most powerful color experiences, that if given a chance to view in a non-RGB setting that opportunity should be grasped.

Red Lava

Wikipedia

When this red-hot molten rock erupts from a serene black landscape of protruding mounds and mountains of volcanic formations a true humbling experience can be had when contemplating the substance before you and its impact on the formation of the very ground you stand upon and that fact that that ground is not a static platform but rather a living, evolving  stage.

Read about lava's unique properties and find more color inspiration from the Big Island of Hawaii and other landscapes.

Red, White and Black are a classic color combination. Bold & vibrant, this palette demands attention in any room, and looks absolutely gorgeous on patterned fabrics. Here is a selection of few items I hope you enjoy.

Chair | Knob | Plate | Pillow | Mugs | Lamps | Bowls | Backgammon Table

Red, Black & White in the COLOURlovers Library

We've already brought you a primer on the simplistic, brightly colored vinyl toys known as 'Designer Vinyl' in the collectible toy world, and if you aren't much of the make-it-yourself type, you can easily sate your hunger for bursts of color by placing these bits of toy art around your home. However, if you are the crafty type (and if you're hanging around in our craft channel, I suspect that you just might be), you may find it inspiring that these toys also come in fully customizable (or DIY -- do it yourself) forms.

[Via Ian Murchinson]

The basic white Munny form can be purchased from Kidrobot.com for as little as $4.95 for smaller sizes. However, a larger size is available (you can get these guys up to 18"!). Once you get your hands on that simple little form, the only thing holding you back is the limits of your imagination.

The emergence of these DIY toys has basically fired up an entire subculture of artists who have gotten their creative groove on by painting and modifying them into something altogether different, and often incredible.

[Via Bobby Chromik ~ Lawcrow]

You can easily search the web and find all kinds of tutorials on how to make your own Designer Vinyl customs. Toy artists will also often show the creation process on their blogs. Even celeb Rosie O' Donnell has gotten into the custom world. You can start simply with something like markers or use products such as Sculpey to completely alter the shape of the figure itself.

Besides being named after a color... AZURE is a Toronto based architecture & design magazine. Follow @azuremagazine.

"In its pages, AZURE profiles international designers and architects, reports on major trade fairs in North America and Europe and investigates design issues related to our changing society. Presenting and exploring innovative projects, materials, products and ideas, AZURE is an indispensable resource for architects, designers and the design-savvy public."

While flipping through InStyle's latest issue, I was completely and utterly taken by Christina Hendricks & Geoffrey Arend celebrity wedding (Married October 2009). I mean, talk about the cat's meow of going vintage for your wedding. Absolutely gorgeous and done to perfection! The entire wedding party was dressed full vintage.

I simply loved the variety of style, design, and color. With that being said, it all still coordinates nicely. Notice how the female wedding party (above photo) display's with two solids ( in colour) and two prints (or rather laces) and the prints compliment each other keeping within the same hues. Can you pick out the main colour that ties everything together? It's purple. Between headpieces, shoes and lace, purple is the colour that ties this into a picture perfect balancing act.

Geoffrey's rusty-plaid suit looks everything, but dull, when combined with that sharp looking vintage tie and kerchief combo which in turn compliments the lovely locks of his soon-to-be wife. They have his attire topped off with a simple fall-flower themed boutonniere.

MAC Cosmetics has released its spring color trend forecast, and all hands on the radar are pointing toward saturated brights: cheery, popsicle pink; citrusy coral; rich, reddish plum; and warm amber.

The pale side of each spectrum is represented as well for those who prefer a subtler attitude:

Tomer Hanuka, a New York City based illustrator and cartoonist, recently created some attractive looking color compositions for Australian wine maker Wine by Some Young Punks. The labels were just a taste of Tomer's color recipes, as I discovered his entire portfolio was filled with rich, emotionally drawing palettes and strong contrasts.

What I love about this country-style wedding palette is the combination of the red, white and blue without making it too patriotic or "flaggish". You won't see any checkered table clothes or watering cans, but cowboy boots and jam jars are aplenty.

Weather for budget or just because you would like to keep things minimal, this is a great example of keeping things simple and seeing it work beautifully.

Gerbera Daisies are a perfect country flower and can demand a big splash of colour without being used everywhere! Notice how dramatic the daisies are in contrast with everything else, without making things off-balance.


All Photography provided by and copyright DaveeBlu Photography (previously Ambience Photography)

I think blue and white go together beautifully. Writing this, my mind conjures up images of classic blue and white china, gorgeous. And adding in a little black to the palette brings it all together. Not so bad, is it?

Bedding | Pillow | Vase | Vases | Balls | Fondue Set | Ottoman