Wearing black may be cool and chic but when everyone else is also in this shade, the tone loses its appeal. What's more, without the right style and tailoring, you could end up looking like Morticia Adams or worse still, a Sicilian widow.  There is a way to looking in vogue in black without blending into the crowd.

There has to be a look that's au courant when wearing the hue. One good example is Syaiful Baharim's new all-black collection which he calls Dark Matters. What makes the line of 12 pieces stand out is his sharp (literally and figuratively speaking) take on design.

Check out the shoulders on his signature hooded jumpsuit that jut out like the edges of a Pagoda roof, a pleated skirt with a serrated hemline and a black dress accented with a protruding pointy fabric at the waist. So sleek and sophisticated.      "Dark Matters plays with a lot of modern, edgy and even gothic elements to give each outfit a certain character and style so that each black creation does not appear dull and tiresome," says the multiple-award winning designer. "For instance, there's the long, black leather gloves to lend a rock-ish style. Then there's the oversized chain necklace that reminds me of  the heavy links in a dungeon".

His made-to-order high heels with sharp leather strips and platform fronts ala Nicholas Kirkwood are equally "grim yet glamorous".

"We've even chosen a location (for the shoot) that is mysterious and gloomy. We photographed top model Tinie in Dark Matters at a skating ramp in Shah Alam. The images are captured in black and white that complement well with the severe concrete structure and skyline," explains the art and design graduate of Universiti (Institut) Teknologi Mara (UiTM).

The ready-to-wear range can also be worn with other outfits. "While each attire may look a bit edgy, avant garde even, I would recommend anyone to pair, say for example, the pleated bolero with something they already own in their wardrobe.  Be fun and creative. I'd even match the high-slit evening dress with a pair of latex leggings for that naughty S&M style".

Take note that there are basic rules to donning black. The shade tends to "drown" the features and dulls the complexion, so put on a little bit more make-up than usual. Or, just slick on a stark red lipstick, black mascara and you're good to go.

Even though black is the most slimming of colours, it creates this illusion only if it is in a matt fabric. Shiny materials will only make your figure appear fuller.