Pantone Color of the Year 2018: ULTRA VIOLET

Pantone® has chosen ULTRA VIOLET as the Color of the Year for 2018. The choice of this enigmatic deep blue-purple was announced yesterday as an "inventive and imaginative color that lights the way to the future".

Courtesy of Pantone

It is a dramatic spectral color created by mixing blue and red and is often associated with supernatural energy and royalty. It has a spiritual quality that lends itself to magical/mystical properties. It helps us to decompress giving it a healing and thoughtful characteristic that inspires us to connect to a higher level.

We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination. It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level. From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come. ~ Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute 

Purple is a color associated with visionary and innovative musical artists such as Prince and David Bowie.

Ultra Violet makes a bold statement when used in interior design, and is flattering against many skin tones making it a popular choice for apparel and accessories. There are many hand dyers who choose to work with purple due to its popularity and they will often combine it with yellow which is its complementary color, or with shades of green or red.

Pantone made an excellent choice with Ultra Violet as we look to the future and imagine what lies ahead.

Pantone Color of the Year for 2017 is GREENERY

Pantone® has named Greenery as the color of the year for 2017 citing it as a refreshing and revitalizing shade symbolic of new beginnings.

❝Greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the reassurance we yearn for amid a tumultuous social and political environment. Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize. Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose.❞  Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute 

Greenery is synonymous with nature's growth - foliage, vegetation, plant life, flora, verdure and herbage. It not only sustains us by producing oxygen, purifying the air and giving us medicine, greenery also provides us with natural aesthetic beauty. 

Greenery is characterized as a yellowish-green shade. It pairs well with other shades making it a versatile color to add to many palettes. Pantone has paired it with 10 different palettes that includes neutrals, brights, deeper shades, pastels and metallics. It's a grounding color much like nature where flowers reveal their beauty against what can be considered a neutral background.

I'm always drawn to this shade of green. It makes me think of springtime when the new leaves and fresh new grass first burst to life and there is an excitement to get out and enjoy the outdoors and reconnect with people after a long winter season. I associate greenery with hope and rejuvenation.

http://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2017

PANTONE COLOR REPORT FALL 2016

Pantone® released its Top Ten list of colors for Fall 2016 this past week during New York's Fashion Week. The theme for the Spring season is: A Unity of Strength, Confidence and Complexity.

The desire for tranquility, strength, and optimism have inspired a Fall 2016 color palette that is led by the Blue family. Along with anchoring earth tones, exuberant pops of vibrant colors also appear throughout the collections. 

Transcending gender, these unexpectedly vivacious colors in our Fall 2016 palette act as playful but structured departures from your more typical fall shades. Blue skies represent constancy as they are always above us. Grays give a feeling of stability, Red tones invite confidence and warmth, while the hot Pinkish Purples and Spicy Mustard Yellows suggest a touch of the exotic.                 ~ Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute™

Pantone has introduced six new colors for fall: Riverside, Airy Blue, Sharkskin, Lush Meadow, Spicy Mustard and Bodacious. The pallet features Airy Blue and Dusty Cedar that gives a nod to the two shades named as the Pantone Color of the Year for 2016 – Serenity and Rose Quartz.

Riverside - Sophisticated sky blue that was well represented on the runways

Airy Blue - Light and airy blue 
Sharkskin - Bold gray that pairs well with the other colors in the pallet

Aurora Red - Bold and sensual
Warm Taupe - Neutral taupe that grounds the pallet
Dusty Rose - Warm dusty rose
Lush Meadow - Rich and vibrant green
Spicy Mustard - Warm yellow with a touch of citrus
Potter's Clay - Neutral russet orange earth tone
Bodacious - Vibrant pinkish purple

Pantone Color of the Year 2016: ROSE QUARTZ and SERENITY

For the first time, Pantone^®, the leading global color authority, has named two shades as its color of the year for 2016. The pastel pairing includes ROSE QUARTZ, a gentle shade of pink, and SERENITY, a calming tranquil blue like the name suggests.

Pantone

The colors are a nod to equality reflecting our changing attitudes towards typical gender stereotypes.

In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design. This more unilateral approach to color is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer's increased comfort with using color as a form of expression, a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judge and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to color usage.~ Pantone

These softer tones are quite a departure from the bold colors of the past few years. They are meant to demonstrate balance and wellness, order and peace.

Fashion

Crissy Teigan

Interior Design

via Vogue Living

Beauty

Sephora 2016 Color of the Year Collection

PANTONE FASHION COLOR REPORT SPRING 2016

Pantone^® released its Top Ten list of colors for Spring 2016 this past week during New York's Fashion Week. The theme for the Spring season is: A Transporting and Transformative Collection.

"Colors this season transport us to a happier, sunnier place where we feel free to express a wittier version of our real selves. With our culture still surrounded by so much uncertainty, we are continuing to yearn for those softer shade that offer a sense of calm and relaxation. This calming color pallet with a few energetic colors has been influenced by the world of art and the contrast of the urban landscape against lush vegetation." ~ Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.

This season's pallet was inspired by the world of art as well as the contrast between urban design and lush vegetation. It's all about transporting the wearer to a tranquil environment giving way to curiosity and exploration  

The pallet features six new colors from Pantone: Rose Quartz, Peach Echo, Serenity, Limpet Shell, Lilac Gray and Iced Coffee. 

Rose Quartz - A gentle shade of pale pink tops the charts for Spring 2016

Peach Echo - A warm pinkish-orange
Serenity - A calming sky blue like the name suggests.
Snorkel Blue - A marine-inspired blue that serves as an anchor for the pallet.
Buttercup - Sunshine and happiness in a rich, buttery hue.
Limpet Shell - A cool and tranquil shade of aqua.
Lilac Gray - A soft and subtle neutral with a hint of purple.
Fiesta - A warm, fiery and exciting red.
Iced Coffee - A warm neutral color that combines well with others in the pallet.
Green Flash - A bright green with a yellow undertone.

Angel Sanchez

Dennis Basso

Houghton

Photos from the Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2016. Click here to read the full report from Pantone.

PANTONE FASHION COLOR REPORT FALL 2015

Pantone^® released its top 10 colors for Fall 2015 this week during New York’s Fashion Week. The theme for the season is An Evolving Color Landscape.

A beautiful color palette comprised of cool neutrals paired with warm, rich colors found in nature from the tropics to safaris. The palette is spiced up with an inviting orange and vibrant amethyst to round out the fall colors. The colors can easily be worn by both women and men.

Juxtaposition of color from opposite sides of the spectrum emphasizes poise and confidence on the runway. The Fall 2015 palette is rooted in multi-faceted, androgynous color that can be worn to portray effortless sophistication across men's and women's fashion. It is the first time we are seeing a truly unisex color palette. ~ Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute

Dried Herb - A safari inspired earthy olive-green shade.

Desert Sage - A cool greenish-gray neutral.

Stormy Weather - A powerful cool blue-gray reminiscent of the sky on an overcast day.

Oak Buff - A warm, golden yellow.

Marsala - The 2015 Color of the Year is a rich, robust, warm red-brown.

Biscay Bay - An elegant teal bringing to mind tropical waters.

Reflecting Pond - A powerful and cooling blue.

Cadmium Orange - A warm and sultry orange with a 70's vibe.

Cashmere Rose  - An upscale soft pink hue.

Amethyst Orchid  - A vibrant orchid that is both unique and exciting.

Click here to read the full report from Pantone.

Pantone has named MARSALA as the Colour of the Year for 2015!

Pantone^® named MARSALA 18-1438 as the Colour of the Year for 2015 
December 4^th, 2014

Marsala is described as "a naturally robust and earthy wine red" that will translate easily to fashion, beauty, home fashions and interiors.

This universally appealing colour is a rich red-brown with blue undertones which embodies both warmth and sophistication. Marsala is a natural, earthy colour that is sultry and seductive.

"It's a colour that you can mix with what you already own," said Leatrice Eisman, the executive director of the Pantone Institute. "You can add just a touch of it. That's the intent and purpose. It is not the colour that swallows the world." As an accent it pairs well with warmer taupes and grays, golden yellows, turquoise and teal as well as a vibrant range of blues.

FASHION

Designers such as Daniel Silverstain, Dennis Basso and Hervé Léger by Max Azria featured Marsala during the Spring 2015 runway shows. Blake Lively was stunning when she wore it on the red carpet during the Cannes Film Festival in May 2014. Expect to see this hue paired together with other colours in floral prints, plaids and stripes. Fashion accessories such as sunglasses, purses, sunglasses and shoes will also feature Marsala.

Blake Lively

BEAUTY

Marsala is a flattering colour for many skin tones. This deep wine is an elegant hue for lipstick and nail polish but is also flattering as an eyeshadow. Sephora will launch its Marsala Layering Lip Collection and Shimmering Marsala Cheek Trio in December 2014. 

Sephora's Marsala Collection

HOME FASHIONS/ACCESSORIES
This rich colour will add elegance to any room. It adds warmth and elegance when used as a home fashion accent paired with warm taupes and grays and vibrant blues.

Home Fashions

Marsala is a fortified Italian wine that is produced in the sunny region of Marsala on the coast of Sicily. 

PANTONE FASHION COLOR REPORT SPRING 2015

Top Ten Women's Colors: En Plein Air
Pantone released its list of the top 10 women’s color for Spring 2015 this week which coincided with the first day of New York Fashion Week. Spring 2015 will move towards a softer and cooler color palette that will feature pale pastels, neutrals and understated brights. 

“Many feel compelled to be connected around the clock because we are afraid we’ll miss something important. There is a growing movement to step out and create ‘quiet zones’ to disconnect from technology and unwind, giving ourselves time to stop and be still”, said Leatice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. Color choices follow the same minimalistic, ‘en plein air’ theme, taking a cue from nature rather than being reinvented or mechanically manipulated. Soft, cool hues blend with subtle warm tones to create a soothing escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.”

En plein air is a French expression which means "in the open air". It is used to describe the act of painting outdoors and can also be used to describe other activities where a person partakes in an outdoor environment.

Aquamarine An airy, ethereal blue with a cool, dreamy feel. Invokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters.

Scuba Blue This cool turquoise shade adds excitement to the pallet restoring our sense of carefree playfulness, while invigorating the body and mind.

Lucite Green A soft, serene green with a minty glow offers a fresh sense of clarity.

Classic Blue A strong and reliable anchor to the color palette that inspires calm, confidence and harmony.

Toasted Almond A sun-tanned neutral, offers timeless, comforting warmth. 

Strawberry Ice A light, nurturing coral tone that evokes a feeling of being “in the pink,” emitting a flattering and healthy glow.

Tangerine An energizing, non-jarring take on orange that adds a bold pop of color for spring.

Custard An all-encompassing yellow emanating warmth and happiness.

Marsala This compelling and cordial hue that is much like the fortified wine that lends its name. The color is inviting and exudes confidence and stability.

Glacier Gray A timeless and unobtrusive gray that adds a sense of graceful relaxation as another practical neutral. 

Bibhu Mohapatra     |     Barbara Tfank     |     Alice & Trixie

Click here for the full Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2015

PANTONE FASHION COLOR REPORT FALL 2014

Pantone® yesterday released their fashion colors for fall 2014 during the first day of New York Fashion Week. The colors are described as ‘color that transcends time and space’. “This is a season of untypical colors – more reflective of the imagination and ingenuity, which makes for an artful collection of colors and combinations not bound by the usual hues for fall,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. 

Fall 2014 offers a diverse and adventurous color palette that reflects a feminine mystique.

The following are the top 10 colors for Fall 2014:

1.     Sangria - an exotic berry-bright shade of red 

2.     Aurora Red - a sophisticated red with blue undertones

3.     Radiant Orchid - The Pantone 2014 Color of the Year

4.     Mauve Mist - a romantic and feminine shade of purple

5.     Cypress - a majestic forestry green

6.     Bright Cobalt - a subtle twist on the traditional cobalt blue

7.     Royal Blue - a versatile and more complex shade of navy blue

8.     Aluminum - silver/grey stainless steel

9.     Cognac - classy and cultured brown hue

10.   Misted Yellow - a warm ray of sunshine

Pantone® is the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industry. The Fashion Color Report is used as a reference tool by designers in the fashion and home furnishings industry. The colors will be seen this fall in fashion and home, jewelry and cosmetics.

Philippa Galasso

Pamella Roland

Barbara Tfank

RADIANT ORCHID: Pantone's Colour of the Year for 2014

Today Pantone® announced RADIANT ORCHID 18-3224 as the Colour of the Year for 2014, a vibrant and captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones. Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination.

“An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society,” said Leatice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “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.”

Fashion
Radiant Orchid was a shade that dominated the runways during the spring 2014 fashion shows and has already made its way onto the red carpet.

Beauty
This modern and versatile shade enlivens the skin with a blend of both cool and warm undertones. It's a flattering hue and makes all who wear it feel more healthy and energetic. Celebrities have been quick to embrace this colour through the use of eye shadow, liner, lipstick and nail polish.

Interiors

Radiant Orchid is an adaptable colour that can spruce up interior spaces by incorporating this eye-catching hue in paint, accent pieces and accessories. It complements olive and deeper hunter greens, and offers a beautiful combination when paired with turquoise and teal. It is an uplifting and bold colour without being overpowering.

While Emerald, the 2013 colour of the year, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, Radiant Orchid reaches across the colour wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination.

PANTONE FASHION COLOR REPORT SPRING 2014

Today Pantone® released their fashion colors for Spring 2014 during the first day of New York Fashion Week. The colors are described as ‘A Season of Color Equilibrium’. “This season consumers are looking for a state of thoughtful, emotional and artistic equilibrium”, said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “While this need for stability is reflected in the composition of the palette, the inherent versatility of the individual colors allow for experimentation with new look and color combinations.”

Designers have paired soft pastels with vivid brights for spring 2014 to create a colorful equilibrium. The colors are inspired by a "mixture of blooming flowers, travels abroad and strong, confident women". Designers use color to refresh, revive and defy with this modern twist on the traditional.

The top colors for women's fashion for spring 2014 are:

   Pastels

      PLACID BLUE - pastel blue that is reminiscent of tranquil skies

      VIOLET TULIP - romantic, vintage purple

      HEMLOCK - summery, ornamental green

   Neutrals

      PALOMA - quintessential neutral grey

      SAND - lightly toasted and amiable neutral

   Strong, Vibrant Colors

      FREESIA - blazing yellow

      CAYENNE - spicy, high-pitched red

      CELOSIA ORANGE - fresh orange 

      RADIANT ORCHID - bright, rich purple

      DAZZLING BLUE - a subtler shade of cobalt blue

Dazzling Blue is currently trending as the Color of the Year for 2014.  WWD has reported that 17.05 percent of designers used this hue in their spring 2014 fashions for women. The color may feel very familiar - it's being compared to “Facebook Blue”. 

PANTONE FASHION COLOR REPORT FALL 2013

Pantone® today released their fashion colors for fall 2013 during the first day of New York Fashion Week.  The colors are described as a ‘Palette of Many Moods’. These moods range from sophisticated and structured to lively and wild.  “Just as the leaves change in autumn, the consumer will enjoy the ability to change their ‘look’ and try a new approach to their wardrobe for brisk days ahead,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.  “The fall 2013 palette allow for that versatility and experimentation.”

The color palette is diverse and reflects the use of unconventional color combinations that designers have embraced - it provides an exciting opportunity to mix bold, vibrant colors with a neutral staple.

The following are the top 10 colors for Fall 2013:

1. Deep Lichen Green      lush, mossy shade of green 
2. Acai                              deep purple inspired by the acai berry
3. Emerald                        lively, radiant lush green - color of the year 2013
4. Mykonos blue               bold blue named for the seas off a Greek island
5. Turbulance                   dark mercurial gray - a neutral staple
6. Samba                          fiery and spirited red
7. Linden Green               yellow-toned green
8. Carafe                          warm, rich coffee brown
9. Koi                                a variation on Tangerine - the 2012 color of the year
10. Vivacious                      deep fuchsia

Pantone is the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industry.  The Fashion Color Report is used as a reference tool by designers in the fashion and home furnishings industry.  The colors will be seen this fall in fashion and home, jewelry and cosmetics.

EMERALD GREEN: Pantone's Colour of the Year for 2013

This week Pantone® announced Emerald 17-5641 as the Colour of the Year for 2013, a lively, radiant, lush green.

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature – the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”

The intense and radiant emerald green is most often associated with the precious gemstone.  Emeralds have been highly-valued in many cultures since ancient times and are believed to have unique healing properties.  They are said to promise good luck, inspire insight and enhance our sense of well-being.

Emerald green will feature prominently in fashion, beauty and home interiors in the coming year. 
Fashion - There has been a steady increase in the prevalence of green for several seasons and has been seen both on the runways and the red carpet.
Beauty - Expect to see this colour in beauty products including eye shadow and nail polish.
Home - This hue will rejuvenate home décor adding a touch of luxury through accessories and paint.

A departure from the spirited Tangerine Tango that was the Colour of the Year for 2012, Emerald Green evokes a sense of balance and harmony.