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The web has become an interactive style resource that rivals the hippest hangouts for unearthing current and upcoming trends but navigating through too much information can take the fun out of trend hunting.
We've created this lens to point you to the latest buzz about color both on the web and in current publications from around the globe.
If you love to see what's coming up and be "in-the-know' about the latest color trends then this lens is for you!
For up-to-the-moment updates on color and trends visit our blog Live In Full Color
Color Trend: Coral (Yes, still!)
Ah... coral motifs. I have to admit I just can't get enough of them. When their vibrant colored silhouettes first began popping up a few years back...my red/orange loving self was thrilled. Their color was the perfect foil for the greens and jewel tones through out my house... slowly but surely tiny pops of their mysterious shapes and shades made it into my home.
But with all things that become popular in our fast moving society I feared that coral ( though a classic motif for sure ) would perhaps become overexposed and fizzle away.... but this is the case of a trend that just keeps getting stronger.
And funny.... it also is perhaps a color trend that first got hot for home and then moved into fashion and beauty ( usually it tends to be the other way around)... the trickle down effect of trends, fascinating- right! Continue reading more about the trend for coral...
Coral Melamine dinner plate from William Sonoma Home
But with all things that become popular in our fast moving society I feared that coral ( though a classic motif for sure ) would perhaps become overexposed and fizzle away.... but this is the case of a trend that just keeps getting stronger.
And funny.... it also is perhaps a color trend that first got hot for home and then moved into fashion and beauty ( usually it tends to be the other way around)... the trickle down effect of trends, fascinating- right! Continue reading more about the trend for coral...
Trends Overview for the Color Orange
Fashion
Citrus-y tones of orange are making a rise as a fun, flattering color and will continue their popularity with energetic hues of almost neon-y red-orange intermixed with other colors are on the horizon for 2009.
Home
In Europe and North America confident style makers are bring stronger from vibrant and energetic colors. Inspired by the exotic colors of India, China, Latin America and Morocco, this year's most colorful palettes for home reflect a desire to add a little "worldly flavor" to our lives.
Automotive
The warmest of earth-toned neutrals range from vibrant orange to smooth copper and brilliant bronze
Food
The Journal of Consumer Research finds that our perception of taste is directly influenced by color and has more of an influence than the product's quality or price. The color of orange juice had a huge effect on perception of taste and as the authors put it: "color dominated taste".
Citrus-y tones of orange are making a rise as a fun, flattering color and will continue their popularity with energetic hues of almost neon-y red-orange intermixed with other colors are on the horizon for 2009.Home
In Europe and North America confident style makers are bring stronger from vibrant and energetic colors. Inspired by the exotic colors of India, China, Latin America and Morocco, this year's most colorful palettes for home reflect a desire to add a little "worldly flavor" to our lives.Automotive
The warmest of earth-toned neutrals range from vibrant orange to smooth copper and brilliant bronzeFood
The Journal of Consumer Research finds that our perception of taste is directly influenced by color and has more of an influence than the product's quality or price. The color of orange juice had a huge effect on perception of taste and as the authors put it: "color dominated taste". Color Trend: Going Nude This Spring
Have you notice that you've begun to look at your winter wardrobe with a bewitching evil eye ( I think I actually yelled at my winter coat the other morning!)- and lusting for a few new things that will be perfect for the fairer weather that you are sure just has to be lurking around the corner.
Well than the spring fever bug my have just cast it's spell on you. Now all you need to know is the colors that will instantly update your wardrobe- the ones that will have the most bang for the buck and how to wear them.
So like the title suggest ( you knew I was talking color- right ) I begin this week looking at my favorite trendy colors as we bunny hop into spring/summer 2009- the first being the ever exciting, yet sometime challenging colors called 'nude'. Continue reading about the influences of this color trend on fashion, accessories, beauty and home...
Well than the spring fever bug my have just cast it's spell on you. Now all you need to know is the colors that will instantly update your wardrobe- the ones that will have the most bang for the buck and how to wear them.
runway looks from Rodarte, Prada and Max Azira from Style.com
So like the title suggest ( you knew I was talking color- right ) I begin this week looking at my favorite trendy colors as we bunny hop into spring/summer 2009- the first being the ever exciting, yet sometime challenging colors called 'nude'. Continue reading about the influences of this color trend on fashion, accessories, beauty and home...
Trend Overview for Brown and Colored Neutrals
Cooled-down, Greyed-out Browns and Greys - Complex neutrals satisfy our urge toward classic colors in an economically challenged time. They also bridge the area between black, which seems harsh, and brown which doesn't seem strong enough.
Fashion
Traditional nude, taupe and buff in shades and tints some are calling belle laide, a French phrase used to describe someone who is attractive, though not conventionally beautiful.
Home
Interiors are taking their color cues straight from our love of nature. Rich browns are joined with a vast range of neutrals that lean towards gray, green, violet and blue.
Automotive
Earth based neutrals from rich deep tones to matte gold will gain in popularity in North America
Food
Shoppers will continue to opt for more healthy whole grains, and their choices will include more exotic grains such as amaranth, quinoa, teff, millet, and Kamut.
Dark chocolate sees growth as a high antioxidant superfood
Fashion
Traditional nude, taupe and buff in shades and tints some are calling belle laide, a French phrase used to describe someone who is attractive, though not conventionally beautiful.Home
Interiors are taking their color cues straight from our love of nature. Rich browns are joined with a vast range of neutrals that lean towards gray, green, violet and blue.Automotive
Earth based neutrals from rich deep tones to matte gold will gain in popularity in North AmericaFood
Shoppers will continue to opt for more healthy whole grains, and their choices will include more exotic grains such as amaranth, quinoa, teff, millet, and Kamut.Dark chocolate sees growth as a high antioxidant superfood Trend Overview for Metallic
Fashion
Gold, bronze and copper for fashion and accessories are more glamorous then ever. Glittery and shiny versions of these metal finishes work to wake up an outfit, while matte tones can work beautifully as a neutral.
Home
Advances in technology have made specialized finishes really hot and after so many years of shimmery silver and brushed chrome or nickel, warmer metallics prevail as gold, bronze and copper hardware look fresh again as the choice accent metal for home.
Automotive
In Asia Pacific slightly brighter shades or muted, iridescent and silky effects enhance silver and gray where in North America the hue has hints of cool gold, orange, blue, purple or pink.
Gold, bronze and copper for fashion and accessories are more glamorous then ever. Glittery and shiny versions of these metal finishes work to wake up an outfit, while matte tones can work beautifully as a neutral.Home
Advances in technology have made specialized finishes really hot and after so many years of shimmery silver and brushed chrome or nickel, warmer metallics prevail as gold, bronze and copper hardware look fresh again as the choice accent metal for home.Automotive
In Asia Pacific slightly brighter shades or muted, iridescent and silky effects enhance silver and gray where in North America the hue has hints of cool gold, orange, blue, purple or pink. Color Trend: Fashion in Black and White
And the Oscar for the Best Use of a Sterotypical Color Scheme Goes To--
Okay, I know I should be summing up the colors worn at last nights Oscars... yes, yes- white/cream seemed to be the color of the evening...retro gowns, asymmetrical cuts, lots of chunky bling ruled the red carpet etc....
But truthfully for me, the most exciting color event of the night was not the fact that Sarah Jessica wore green, Kate gray or Natalie lilac... it was that Angelina wore black and Jennifer wore white!
In total Hollywood fashion- ( this is after all the place were the genre of good guys wear white hats and bad guys wear black was born)- the two starlets made their first ever appearance in the same venue at the same time-nothing short of dramatic. See how black and white played out...
But truthfully for me, the most exciting color event of the night was not the fact that Sarah Jessica wore green, Kate gray or Natalie lilac... it was that Angelina wore black and Jennifer wore white!
In total Hollywood fashion- ( this is after all the place were the genre of good guys wear white hats and bad guys wear black was born)- the two starlets made their first ever appearance in the same venue at the same time-nothing short of dramatic. See how black and white played out...
Trends Overview for the Color White
White is now a Business Color - Because there are so many new finishes available, white is showing up everywhere, even in corporate board rooms. The contrasts are all in the finishes: matte versus gloss; shine and shimmer on reflective surfaces; textured whites versus smooth. It's all washable and cleanable and looks very new now. It also represents purity of thought, of motive and of result, which is what we want from businesses now.
Fashion
Off-whites, sandy and linen-y colors all keep white fresh on the runway year round.
Home
White has taken on a futuristic and progressive image worldwide. It is regarded as timeless and combines easily with other colours or tone on tone with muted shades of toned white or beige.
Automotive
Pearl white is popular and evokes luxury, especially in Asia Pacific. In North America the hue shifts slightly golden and there is more interest in matte finishes. In Europe white speaks of purity and clarity while the palest pastels take white to a luxurious new level.
Food
A new milk from cows milked at the break of dawn and is naturally high in melatonin is making waves in Japan
Fashion
Off-whites, sandy and linen-y colors all keep white fresh on the runway year round.Home
White has taken on a futuristic and progressive image worldwide. It is regarded as timeless and combines easily with other colours or tone on tone with muted shades of toned white or beige.Automotive
Pearl white is popular and evokes luxury, especially in Asia Pacific. In North America the hue shifts slightly golden and there is more interest in matte finishes. In Europe white speaks of purity and clarity while the palest pastels take white to a luxurious new level.Food
A new milk from cows milked at the break of dawn and is naturally high in melatonin is making waves in Japan Trends Overview for the Color Black
Fashion
Graphic black and white patterns of floral, geometrics and spirals were seen at Gucci, L.A.M.B. and Fendi. Menswear-inspired, two-toned pinstripe waistcoats by John Galliano, black and white laced up oxford high heels at Alexander Wang and boy-meets-girl suits at Ann Demeulemeester all lend themselves to the power of black and white.
Automotive
A classic color reborn with the new technologies and dimensional effects in all markets.
Food
Having made the move from specialty store to supermarket, designer salts now are found in a whole host of colors ranging from bright white to pink or purple to black.
Graphic black and white patterns of floral, geometrics and spirals were seen at Gucci, L.A.M.B. and Fendi. Menswear-inspired, two-toned pinstripe waistcoats by John Galliano, black and white laced up oxford high heels at Alexander Wang and boy-meets-girl suits at Ann Demeulemeester all lend themselves to the power of black and white.Automotive
A classic color reborn with the new technologies and dimensional effects in all markets.Food
Having made the move from specialty store to supermarket, designer salts now are found in a whole host of colors ranging from bright white to pink or purple to black. Trends Overview for the Color Purple
Purple, Purple, Purple! - Emerging as a hot fashion color last fall, purple is now not a fad: it's an entrenched trend, strongly influenced by the election. ( After all, red plus blue equals purple.) There is a greyed-out violet that works equally well as an accent or a neutral. But there are also redder, plummier purples and bluer-influenced fuchsias in a huge range of products.
The Return of the "M" Word - It's mauve. An old color that looks new again, in dusty violet shades, mauve works as an accent but also serves now as a neutral, punched up by those bright Asian accents (orange, turquoise, teal, red, and yellow.)
Fashion
The runways for Fall were overflowing with intense shades of purple and violets, showing up at Proenza Schouler, Emilio Pucci, Halston and Versace, to name just a few.
Automotive
Purple hues are being used in unexpected ways such as in interior, accent lighting or blended with silver.
Food
Purple in fruits and vegetables is often the result of the anthocyanins, which act as very powerful antioxidants, grabbing and holding onto harmful free radicals in the body.
The Return of the "M" Word - It's mauve. An old color that looks new again, in dusty violet shades, mauve works as an accent but also serves now as a neutral, punched up by those bright Asian accents (orange, turquoise, teal, red, and yellow.)
Fashion
The runways for Fall were overflowing with intense shades of purple and violets, showing up at Proenza Schouler, Emilio Pucci, Halston and Versace, to name just a few.Automotive
Purple hues are being used in unexpected ways such as in interior, accent lighting or blended with silver.Food
Purple in fruits and vegetables is often the result of the anthocyanins, which act as very powerful antioxidants, grabbing and holding onto harmful free radicals in the body. Trends Overview for the Color Blue
Blue is the New Green - Various greens have symbolized "green" living over the last couple of years, but in 2009 the "green" environmental message comes to us through the color blue. There are watery blues, sky blues and a whole range of blues that speak to us about living on a greener planet.
Fashion
Cobalt, indigo, peacock, turquoise, even super-hero blue - thanks in part to the recent opening of a show dedicated to super-hero-inspired fashion at the Costume Institute in NYC - are making a splash throughout fashion.
Yves Klein International Blue, last seen in the early 80s, is once again being reincarnated. The color, which many call the only patented color is being trotted down the runways in every major fashion capital worldwide.
Home
In all areas of décor for Europe and North America, blues that remind us of sky and water -- inspired by environmentalism -- remain prominent, even in the kitchen.
New is the emergence of a much blacker blue inspired by technology -- a deep, vibrant navy so dark it almost looks black.
In North America cobalt blue will update a traditional blue and white palette
Automotive
Continues to rise in popularity in both Europe and North America and includes a range from icy to navy blue.
Food
The color blue is the color least commonly occurring naturally in the foods we eat however consumption of blueberries have been on the rise as consumers become aware of the antioxident benefits.
Sales of bolder cheeses are on the rise with blue cheese posting a significant increase.
Fashion
Cobalt, indigo, peacock, turquoise, even super-hero blue - thanks in part to the recent opening of a show dedicated to super-hero-inspired fashion at the Costume Institute in NYC - are making a splash throughout fashion.Yves Klein International Blue, last seen in the early 80s, is once again being reincarnated. The color, which many call the only patented color is being trotted down the runways in every major fashion capital worldwide.Home
In all areas of décor for Europe and North America, blues that remind us of sky and water -- inspired by environmentalism -- remain prominent, even in the kitchen.New is the emergence of a much blacker blue inspired by technology -- a deep, vibrant navy so dark it almost looks black.In North America cobalt blue will update a traditional blue and white paletteAutomotive
Continues to rise in popularity in both Europe and North America and includes a range from icy to navy blue.Food
The color blue is the color least commonly occurring naturally in the foods we eat however consumption of blueberries have been on the rise as consumers become aware of the antioxident benefits.Sales of bolder cheeses are on the rise with blue cheese posting a significant increase. Trend Overview for the Color Green
Fashion
Soil colors in the brownish-green range - the colors of nature - are seriously fashionable now.
Automotive
While not a major color player but as the color of ecology it gains added acceptance when blended with blue in both Europe and North America.
Food
Leafy greens are gobbled up for their health benefits but in the world of food green also refers to more widespread, creative and environmentally friendly ways of producing and packaging foods.
Soil colors in the brownish-green range - the colors of nature - are seriously fashionable now.Automotive
While not a major color player but as the color of ecology it gains added acceptance when blended with blue in both Europe and North America.Food
Leafy greens are gobbled up for their health benefits but in the world of food green also refers to more widespread, creative and environmentally friendly ways of producing and packaging foods. Color Trend: Brights Are Right and Neutrals Are a Natural
Colors of the SAG Awards- Who Got It Right?
There is no doubt that the 2009 SAG Awards was a colorful event.... here's a gratuitous rainbow collage to prove my point:
And though I applaud anyone who chooses color over basic black ( good girls! ) I have to admit that getting the right color is not always so easy. So who ( in my opinion ) was awash in color and who was just plain washed out?
Take a look and see if you agree.
And though I applaud anyone who chooses color over basic black ( good girls! ) I have to admit that getting the right color is not always so easy. So who ( in my opinion ) was awash in color and who was just plain washed out?
Take a look and see if you agree.
Pantone Fall 2009 Fashion Color Trends
The kick off of New York fashion week excites me not only because I can't wait to see what all of my favorite designers will have me dreaming of wearing 6 months down the road... but also because it's the day Pantone releases their color trend report listing the hues that they believe will define the season. Entitled "A Study Of Contrasts"- It really is quite an interesting mix!
As usually the report is spectacular to look at and chock full of great color advice. 'Color On A Budget' seems to be the overall message- wow runway fashion and budget mentioned together.... what is the world coming to?
You can see the designers and colors featured in this report HERE.
Trends Overview for the Color Red
Fashion
Red, the color of passion, has been heating up both catwalks and red carpet events this past year. Like a ruby in a crown, or a carpet in the Maharaja's palace, red remains a key color in 2008/2009.
Automotive
Red is still a hot color that says sexy and sporty.
Food
Look for lots of red as high-nutrient "superfruits" such as açaí, goji berries, pomegranates and yumberries go mainstream.
Tomatoes and other lycopene-rich foods protects against prostate and other cancers, as well and heart and lung disease.
Red, the color of passion, has been heating up both catwalks and red carpet events this past year. Like a ruby in a crown, or a carpet in the Maharaja's palace, red remains a key color in 2008/2009.Automotive
Red is still a hot color that says sexy and sporty.Food
Look for lots of red as high-nutrient "superfruits" such as açaí, goji berries, pomegranates and yumberries go mainstream.Tomatoes and other lycopene-rich foods protects against prostate and other cancers, as well and heart and lung disease. Color Trend: Lemongrass Sparkles
Michelle Obama Glitters
Okay, just got my first look at the first lady-elects day choice.... on tv it looked green in this photo it looks more gold- one thing is for sure it's glittery!
Okay, just found it's actually 'lemongrass'. Designer Isabel Toledo is being quoted as saying:
"I wanted to pick a very optimistic color, that had sunshine," she said. "I wanted her to feel charmed, and in that way would charm everybody."
More on the stylish first lady...
Okay, just found it's actually 'lemongrass'. Designer Isabel Toledo is being quoted as saying:
"I wanted to pick a very optimistic color, that had sunshine," she said. "I wanted her to feel charmed, and in that way would charm everybody."
More on the stylish first lady...
Trend Overview for the Color Yellow
Yellow for Energy - But look for lots and lots of bright vivid yellow to give us energy as we re-build the economy. It's the stand-out accent color for next year.
Fashion
Yellow was the 'it' color for Spring and the lemony lusciousness isn't limited just to women or to dresses. Men are wearing yellow! Yellow nail polish is finding its way to the mainstream. And yellow accessories are popping up more places than daffodils.
Home
In North America bright true yellow is one of the hottest accent colors of the year for home. This sunny and positive color is being seen on everything from kitchen appliances to luxurious bedding and accessories for outdoor living
Automotive
While bright yellow is seldom seen on the street, golden infused hues are warming up the exterior of many models.
Food
Tumeric, a root from the ginger family, provides a yellow colorant as the demand natural continues to increase.
Fashion
Yellow was the 'it' color for Spring and the lemony lusciousness isn't limited just to women or to dresses. Men are wearing yellow! Yellow nail polish is finding its way to the mainstream. And yellow accessories are popping up more places than daffodils.Home
In North America bright true yellow is one of the hottest accent colors of the year for home. This sunny and positive color is being seen on everything from kitchen appliances to luxurious bedding and accessories for outdoor livingAutomotive
While bright yellow is seldom seen on the street, golden infused hues are warming up the exterior of many models.Food
Tumeric, a root from the ginger family, provides a yellow colorant as the demand natural continues to increase. Color Trends for Kitchen and Bath
Important trends spotted at K/BIS:Earth inspired neutrals of browns, grays and greens were the primary colors at K/BIS 2008. Either standing alone or supporting brighter hues, these chic and luxurious subtle colors gave focus to form, texture and pattern with interplay of shadows and light.
While espresso dominated the wood finishes of last years show, warm medium brown is the color this year. Cherry remains the favorite wood.
Quarter sawn and exotic woods are gaining in popularity. There is a sense of refinement in finishes; they are becoming smoother and less distressed than in recent years. [more...]
Hospitality Design Expo: Trends Focus on Color, Comfort and Clarity
Fresh tropical inspired corals, oranges, blue and greens, with white being the neutral were the primary colors. Gem stones, such as the Blue Agate, by Majestic Gemstone were incorporated into furniture.
Swarovski Crystals are embellishing practically every interior design object: drapery finals, cabinet hardware, faucets, furniture, art work and contemporary light fixtures. A good example is the hanging fixture from Bruck Lighting.Glitz and Glam is not restricted to the Hospitality Design. The "Sex and the City" movie is here. Fans who have long waited for a glimpse at the girls' glitz won't be disappointed. Many of the items in their glamorous wardrobes are embellished with Swarovski Crystals and other gemstones. [more...]
Color Trends & Influences
Discovering what is driving trends begins with keen observations of the world community, detecting what is on our minds and where our eyes are focused, and asking: "Why?"
Digging down to basic emotions and needs is the basis for any assessment of how trends might translate into products, services, materials and, of course, colours. Currently the answers exist as polar opposites. Half of our dual personality society wants nothing more than to live a simpler, purer, authentic, and more natural life, while the other half craves a new take on luxury, living large and pushing the limits of both time and technology. [more...]
Digging down to basic emotions and needs is the basis for any assessment of how trends might translate into products, services, materials and, of course, colours. Currently the answers exist as polar opposites. Half of our dual personality society wants nothing more than to live a simpler, purer, authentic, and more natural life, while the other half craves a new take on luxury, living large and pushing the limits of both time and technology. [more...]
Identifying Color Trends
What most people don't realize is that in order to determine what colors will resonate with consumers color professionals must understand the psychological, cultural, socio-economic, art, media, fashion and entertainment influence from around the globe and how they effect the way people feel about color.Briefly, here is the process:
Every year professionals working independently as well as for a diverse range of companies meet to discuss the direction they see color taking now and for the future.
Each color forecaster presents the colors they believe will be the ones that will appeal to consumers over the next couple years as well as their reasoning behind recommending these colors.
Then the fun begins as this group of very creative and sometimes very opinionated professionals debate the color choices until they reach a concensus on the colors that will be presented in the final palette that is then shared with thousands of retailers, home furnishing designers and manufacturers.
I am a member of Color Marketing Group the most widely recognized professional organizations that actively follow color directions and publish color trend reports based on the input of their member:
Here's why I recommend the Color Marketing Group
Vehicle Color Trends
Silver has been the color story for the automobile industry for the last several years. but around the globe other colors are gaining on the front-runner. See the rankings by color popularity or 2007Mat-effect paints are one of the major trends trends which is causing a sensation at car shows all over the world. The texture of the car's surface and its material are taking on special significance, complementing color as a major feature. Surface texture is a key factor for both women and men when it comes to individuality in purchasing a car. The color forecast sees the color white as the trend. It's the perfect color for mat finishes. --from BASF
"Car buyers who want to stay up-to-date when choosing the color of their cars in the next few years will opt for striking, mixed colors that defy the definition of classic colors. New trend-setting colors will no longer fit traditional descriptions like green, blue or gray, requiring, instead, names that reflect exotic combinations of colors and effects." --Paint & Coatings Industry News
"Blue is going to be the biggest story for '07, '08 and '09," says Christopher Webb, a color designer for GM. A group of GM designers is assigned the task of predicting the trends. The current hot color is silver.
I have completed development of new GM colors up to 2009, and I can tell you there will be a new orange introduced each year until then. As the orange trend continues, look for the color to evolve from yellow shade oranges to red shade oranges. --Chris Webb Exterior Color and Trend Designer, GM North America
Car Companies Employ Teams to Determine That Blue is IN and Green is OUT
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Kate Smith, founder and contributing editor of Sensational Color is a recognized color expert, strategist and engaging speaker.
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