Pantone, the leading authority on color for designers across the board, has proclaimed Color of the Year 2014: Radiant Orchid. Expect to see this vibrant, optimistic shade of pinkish purple crop up everywhere: interior decorating – paints and wallpapers – plastics, digital media, high fashion – including shoes, bags, nail varnish – and who knows what else? Maybe automobiles.
The official shade reference is PANTONE® 18-3224 and a great deal of thought and research has gone into its selection. Ever since the year 2000 the company, which is based in New Jersey, has been examining yearly trends in the travel, entertainment and fashion industries before deciding on its prediction for color of the year. Pantone’s powerful influence then ensures that the color becomes popular. In the global recession of 2013, the signature color was emerald, signifying the green shoots of renewal and regrowth.
Next year the emphasis is on creativity and the imagination, bold self-expression. Psychically the shade spells radiant energy, health and happiness. You cannot be a shrinking violet wearing this new marriage of fuchsia pink with purple. The shade is a flattering one for most skin and hair tones, blending well with make-up colors and adding a touch of lively glamour to nails and accessories.
Fashion wise, Radiant Orchid will team with a range of complementary colors such as shades of green (think orchid leaves) and other colors that occur naturally in orchid patterns, such as yellow and deep red, pale pink and lavender. It will also work brilliantly with neutrals.
This is a color favored by Michelle Obama, and in 2013 it has already appeared in the collections of such designers as Ermengildo Zegnahave, Max Mara, Salvatore Ferragamo and Marc Jacobs. Already swatches have been purchased for the fashion industry so designers are definitely going to be showcasing orchid pinks and purples in their collections next year, with Radiant Orchid top favorite for eye-catching, spirit-of-the-age impact.
