Sep 11
2
Fall 2011 Fashion Colors: Painterly & Romantic
When you walk through a department store, browse the mall, or shop online each season, you’ll notice major trends in colors that hardly seem coincidental. The hues of fashion items in any given season appear to huddle in particular areas of the color wheel, regardless of where you shop. How does this happen? Do the big-shots at Macy’s convene to decide which colors of clothing to sell that year? Is there seasonal convention where online retailers vote on their favorite colors? Nope.
Each season’s colors are determined by a single company: Pantone, Inc. The self-proclaimed “authority on color,” Pantone’s seasonal color palette is determined by select world-renowned fashion industry leaders. Designers take into consideration the economy, technology, and the “needs, moods, fantasies, and aspirations of consumers.”
The colors in the palette of each season- be it spring, summer, fall, or winter- uniquely meld together to evoke a particular theme or idea.
“Designers take a painterly approach to fall 2011 by artfully combining bright colors with staple neutrals, reminiscent of how an artist would construct a stunning work of art,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Much like a painter’s masterpiece, there is a certain romance to this season’s palette.”
Consumers can expect to see the following colors in abundance this season:
- Bamboo: A warm, exotic yellow with a subtle green undertone
- Emberglow: A traditional autumn tone that emanates a warm waning fire
- Honeysuckle: A playful, flirtatious reddish pink that’s great with cosmetics
- Phlox: A magical, deep purple that makes a statement against the season’s neutrals
- Cedar: A fresh, versatile, mid-tone neutral green
- Deep teal: A strong, blue-toned green that suggests ocean depths
- Coffee liqueur: A rich, decadent, and savory alternative to basic black
- Nougat: A warm, yet light camel tan. Complements almost any color.
- Orchid Hush: A soft, pleasant tone of gray with subtle orchid undertones
- Quarry: A practical medium-gray staple
The Fall 2011 Pantone color pallete was created about two years ago, allowing designers and manufacturers ample time to prepare for this season. Retailers and consumers alike anxiously await the company’s fashion color report in order to get a glimpse of what’s “in” for the season. So here you go- the new season’s hot-off-the-press colors:
The brilliant thing about the Pantone Color Palette is that the colors all complement each other so well. Any one color in the group will coordinate harmoniously with any of the others (try it!) Colors are also carefully chosen to complement most skin tones. So even if you think the color “cedar” will make you look ill, give it a whirl. You may be surprised at the possibilities for looking your best. I know a woman who has written off the majority of the color wheel and refuses to buy, or even try on, anything that does not belong in her “go-to” color family. She has been pleasantly surprised- and has received many compliments- when she has branched out a little.
This fall, as you notice the leaves change and the temperature drop, sense the transformation in the fashion world as well. I’d like to challenge you to embrace what’s “in” this year, and even experiment a little with your look. Welcome this year’s fashion trends with open arms and, who knows, you could look and feel more stylish than you did decades ago. Happy shopping, ladies!
Source: www.pantone.com
