Ecru is the New Black?
The city of Wroclaw has introduced new regulations for bars and restaurants running summer patios on the Market Square - all awnings and umbrellas must be coloured ecru.
Officials chose ecru due to its neutral look and its ability to match almost any colour kamienica (historic townhouse) on the Market Square. While ecru is the only colour choice, it has been stated that any shade is acceptable as long as it remains in the yellowish-grey confines of the neutral colour.
This move is meant to clean up the "chaos" on the Market Square which is now mostly populated by sponsored umbrellas and awnings sporting logos of beers or soft drinks. In this case it is the responsibility of the bar or restaurant to obtain a monochromatic version of these items.
The city has stated it understands the tough situation some businesses may be in and while it will remain flexible the plan is to convert the entire Market Square area to neutral ecru by 2011.