Color that transcends time and place; designers take a sophisticated approach to color and combinations this season
Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today unveiled the PANTONE(® )Fashion Color Report Fall 2014, a comprehensive overview of designers' use of color in their upcoming collections. Released to coincide with New York Fashion Week, the PANTONE Fashion Color Report features the top 10 colors for women's and men's fashion for fall 2014, along with designer sketches, quotes and headshots.
"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(®). "There is a certain mystique that is reflected throughout the palette, inspired by the increasing need for people everywhere to create an individual imprint."
The top colors for women's fashion for fall 2014 are:
PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid
PANTONE 19-2047 Sangria
PANTONE 19-4037 Bright Cobalt
PANTONE 18-0322 Cypress
PANTONE 19-3955 Royal Blue
PANTONE 18-1550 Aurora Red
PANTONE 16-1107 Aluminum
PANTONE 15-3207 Mauve Mist
PANTONE 18-1421 Cognac
PANTONE 14-0837 Misted Yellow
The top colors for men's fashion for fall 2014 are:
PANTONE 16-3304 Sea Fog
PANTONE 19-4037 Bright Cobalt
PANTONE 16-1107 Aluminum
PANTONE 18-0322 Cypress
PANTONE 19-2047 Sangria
PANTONE 19-3955 Royal Blue
PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid
PANTONE 18-1550 Aurora Red
PANTONE 18-1421 Cognac
PANTONE 14-0837 Misted Yellow
Women's Color Palette
Whether it was a particular decade or a trip to a special place, designers are fascinated with the beauty of the past and the spirit of the present - recreating it with color, fabric and style this fall season. Design and color were inspired by everything from books, artisan crafts, photography and retro architecture to exotic landscapes and the children of rock legends. The diverse color palette takes us on an adventure spanning 100 years - a season roused by various vantage points from past and present.
Sangria, an exotic red that evokes a sense of glamorous adventures and faraway destinations is enhanced by Aurora Red, a more sophisticated shade that adds verve and spark.
The grown-up reds are followed by two extremes of the purple family that intrigue the eye and inspire the imagination. Mauve Mist, a romantic and elegant purple shade, reminds us of the deco era and stimulates a sense of femininity and empowerment, while Radiant Orchid, a captivating and adaptable shade, enchants the complete spectrum. Pair either with Cypress, a majestic and powerful green; indicative of its name, this shade has a towering presence and serves as a stunning perennial.
With its slightly green undertone, Bright Cobalt offers a subtle twist on the traditional cobalt, which unifies this season's blues. Likewise, Royal Blue, which is both evocative and dignified, provides more complexity and excitement than the average navy, while still remaining versatile. Pair Bright Cobalt with Sangria and Cypress, or Royal Blue with Mauve Mist and Aluminum, a futuristic stainless steel shade that serves as a complex neutral.
Similar to Sangria, Cognac's name alone leads to glamorous illusions. This classy and cultured brown takes a typical autumnal color to a sumptuous realm, making the shade unexpectedly ideal for evening wear. Adding a ray of sunlight and warmth, optimistic Misted Yellow alludes to the promise of spring to come. Both Cognac and Misted Yellow will also be prevalent in prints - a surprisingly popular trend this fall season.
Men's Color Palette
There has been a gradual shift towards a unisex color palette in recent seasons and fall 2014 is no exception. Similar to the women's palette, this season's men's collections were also inspired by a need to explore - traveling back in time or into the unknown - resulting in a more adventurous use of color, especially through combinations.
Exotic Sangria invigorates the men's palette while Aurora Red adds a sophisticated spark to any winter wardrobe. Pair Aurora Red with Cognac, a tasteful brown, for a confident and high-profile look. Cognac will also be popular with more vibrant shades in the palette, including Misted Yellow, which adds a touch of optimism to cold weather ensembles.
Both Radiant Orchid, a fascinating purple, and Bright Cobalt blue will be quintessential statement colors this season - bold and charismatic shades prevalent in everything from sportswear to shoes. Pair these hues with Sea Fog, a more masculine representation of Mauve Mist, for a powerfully poised fall look.
Combine Aluminum, a complex silvery shade, with versatile, elegant Royal Blue and bracing Cypress. These hues will undoubtedly play an integral role in men's fashion this fall, serving as staples for outerwear and formalwear throughout the cooler months.
The colors featured in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report are culled from the PANTONE FASHION + HOME Color System, the most widely used and recognized color standards system for fashion, textile, home and interior design. Each season, Pantone surveys the designers of New York Fashion Week and beyond to collect feedback on prominent collection colors, color inspiration and color philosophy. This information is used to create the PANTONE Fashion Color Report, which serves as a reference tool throughout the year for fashion enthusiasts, reporters and retailers.
