Pantone Colour of the year

And the 2014 Pantone Colour of the Year winner is….
18-3224….Radiant Orchid! We thank 17-5641 Emerald for its service during 2013 and wish the new winner a fantastic reign.

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, speaks of Radiant Orchard in the media release, saying ‘An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society. An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.’

If you are outside of the graphic, industrial or home design world, or not part of the fashion industry, this announcement might not mean much to you, but in these circles the colour of the year is big news.

For more than a decade Pantone has influenced purchasing decisions and product development across all industries where colour is integral, a responsibility they take seriously. Pantone undertakes international research across an incredible range of industries and influences including film and entertainment, new artists and new textures, technology and even the sporting world to identify the defining colour and shade of the coming year.

Radiant Orchard has already graced the runways during Spring 2014 fashion shows, which was a contributing factor in the awarding of the top prize, so we’ll be seeing more of this colour in fashion and accessories for both men and women across the next year. The rosy undertones are also flattering to the skin, making it a perfect choice for the beauty industry and even more usable in this area than last year’s winner, Emerald. We can expect to see a flush of orchid on nail, lips and cheeks of on trend women the world over.

‘The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good, on you!’ – Coco Chanel

Pairing equally well with brights as well as neutrals, Radiant Orchid will feature in accessories, accent pieces, garments and even furniture. Complementing olive and deeper greens, as well as turquoise, light yellow and teal, this adaptable colour will spruce up your current wardrobe. Without being over powering, grey, beige and taupe can be uplifted with a splash of this vibrant colour.

‘Why do two colors, put one next to the other, sing? Can one really explain this? No. Just as one can never learn how to paint.’ Pablo Picasso

A great way to try the colour on for size is by downloading the wallpaper in its various formats from the Pantone website where you will find a wealth of inspiration and direction around all things colour, regardless of your industry or creative outlet. Have a play with the colour. Match it with others, mix it with plains and patterns, and see what happens. It’s often easier to see how a colour will work for you when you have experimented first.

We congratulate Pantone on another inspired choice for ‘Color of the Year’ and look forward to seeing splashes of Radiant Orchid across the year of its reign whilst we await the news of the 2015 winner.

If you would like to know how to incorporate this colour into your wardrobe, book an appointment with me at Styled By Sally , and I will help you keep your look both stylish and current.