In the world of colour analysis and personal styling, we often talk about authenticity, individuality, and empowerment. But sometimes, the very industry that helps people discover their true selves becomes mired in claims, counterclaims, and confusion. Over the past few weeks, a strong and emotionally charged statement has been circulating in the image consulting world, one that insists a particular version of the 16-palette system is the original, authentic, and only legitimate approach. As someone who has worked in this space for over two decades, I feel it’s time to offer a calm, factual, and respectful response.

I was trained in colour analysis in 2004 by Bernice Kentner, a true pioneer in the field whose book Color Me A Season was published in the late 1970s. Her work laid the groundwork for much of what we now take for granted in seasonal colour theory. She introduced not only the classic four seasons but also the concept of seasonal flow. The idea that individuals can sit between two seasons and benefit from a more nuanced palette. This evolved into what we now refer to as the 12-season and 16-season systems.

It has existed for decades, long before some of the more modern branded systems came into play. My own 16 Palette Seasonal Flow System builds on this historical foundation. It is not a copy of any trademarked or branded method, but rather a continuation and refinement of a longstanding tradition in the industry.

I’ve watched with admiration as others have built on this work in their own unique ways. Innovation is not only welcome in this industry, it’s essential. We should all feel free to develop new interpretations, refine our tools, and create systems that suit our clients and our values. But innovation does not mean erasure. It does not mean rewriting history to suggest that everything before a certain point was invalid or unoriginal.

A few days ago, a well-known industry figure claimed that her particular colour system is the only authentic version of the 16-season approach, going so far as to suggest that others who use a similar structure have borrowed or repackaged her work without credit. I want to acknowledge the pain that can come from feeling dismissed or disregarded. I’ve been there myself, as many of us have. But I also want to gently point out that this framing overlooks the deep and diverse history of the colour analysis field.

When I created my 16 Palette Seasonal Flow System, I did so with the clear intention of honouring the past while making the system work for today’s clients. I trained in both seasonal and tonal methods, and I’ve worked with hundreds of clients and stylists from all over the world. The system I teach is grounded in decades of experience, refined through practice, and supported by a strong understanding of both traditional theory and modern application.
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​I’ve also trained dozens of personal stylists, makeup artists, and image consultants who were looking for a flexible, intuitive, and client-centered approach. Many of them came to me after feeling confused or constrained by rigid systems that didn’t seem to allow for the natural variations and subtleties they saw in their work. The feedback I’ve received is that the 16 Palette Seasonal Flow System gives them clarity and confidence.

There are multiple valid approaches, each with its own strengths and nuances. What matters is that the method you use genuinely helps your clients see themselves more clearly and feel more confident. That’s the heart of our work. That’s the reason we do this.

I’m not interested in discrediting anyone. I’m not here to pick a fight or fuel an industry feud. But I do believe it’s important to speak up when the narrative being shared could cause confusion or create division. We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and to pretend otherwise is a disservice to our industry and our clients.

1. The concept of a 16-palette system is not new. It existed long before many current systems were created. Bernice Kentner and others laid the groundwork, and many professionals have built upon it with integrity and care.

2. There is no one-size-fits-all system. Different clients resonate with different approaches. Find the system that makes sense to you, that helps you deliver real results, and that aligns with your values.

3. Trademarking a name or structure doesn’t make it the only truth. It simply means someone has formalized their version of a broader concept. Respecting intellectual property is important, but that doesn't negate the history that came before it.

4. We all have room to grow, evolve, and share. Collaboration and conversation make our industry richer. Silencing others or laying sole claim to a concept as broad as seasonal colour theory diminishes the collective wisdom we all benefit from.

I will continue to teach my 16 Palette Seasonal Flow System because I know it works. I see the results in my clients. I see the breakthroughs in the consultants I train. I see the impact every single day.

And I will continue to honour the roots of this work. Not because I need to defend myself, but because I believe in truth, context, and respect.

If you’re curious about learning a flexible, proven, and confidence-boosting approach to colour analysis, I invite you to explore my Certified Online Colour Analysis Expert Program. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to refine your skills, you’ll find a supportive community, a time-tested system, and a mentor who believes there is room for all of us.

Let’s move forward not with fear or defensiveness, but with clarity and collaboration. Our clients need us to show up fully—not as carbon copies of each other, but as fully expressed professionals with something real to offer.