With pattern, black and white can sometimes have a higher visual impact than the full prismatic experience. Black and white are two absolute opposites. One could not be more different than the other. It's the ultimate contrast.
Even better than black and white patterns are black and white patterns that are shot in black and white. Excuse me if I'm getting too Brechtian here. Case in point - these pictures, taken by Nina Leen for the March 1958 issue of Life.
Source: Life Photo Archive
This photo is unrelated, but I love the monochromatic goodness the picture adds. I wonder what colour Barbara Streisland and Marlene Dietrich's suits were in real life?
