Women think of all colors except the absence of color. I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony.

In this remark Chanel elevates “non-colors” (black and white) from mere absences to complete aesthetic statements. She suggests that many women chase novelty through a spectrum of hues, while overlooking the expressive power of restraint. For Chanel, black and white are “absolute” because they reduce distraction and foreground line, proportion, and material—core values of her modernist approach to dress. The claim of “perfect harmony” also reflects her belief that elegance comes from disciplined simplicity: when color is pared back, the wearer’s silhouette, movement, and personality can read more clearly. The quote encapsulates her broader influence in making minimal palettes synonymous with sophistication.