COLOR REPORT

Easy, Breezy Color World

This season’s palette is all about light & airy relaxation

BY LINDSEY GETZ

this spring there’s been a move toward the cooler, softer side of the color spectrum. While bolder brights have been the go-to spring colors of the past few seasons, for Spring 2015, designers are toning it down on the runway by using more pale pastels, nature-inspired neutrals, and bright shades that are a bit more understated.

Pantone’s snapshot of the hottest color trends for the spring and summer seasons will give you a good idea about what you can expect to be popular in fashion in the months ahead. Pantone, an X-Rite company, surveys some of the hottest designers about their choice of color and reports that neutrals are taking more of a center stage in clothing. You may find more people looking to dress up their wardrobe with bold accessories such as eyewear and sunglasses.

COLOR REFLECTING LIFE

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, says that the trends in fashion and color tend to mimic everyday life. Currently, because we are all so connected—whether it be through smart phones or social media—there is a “growing movement to step outside and create ‘quiet zones’ to disconnect from technology and unwind, giving ourselves time to stop and be still,” she says.

“Color choices follow the same minimalistic ‘en plein air’ theme, taking a cue from nature rather than being reinvented or mechanically manipulated,” Eiseman continues. “Soft color hues blend with subtle warm tones to create a soothing escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.”

This movement toward cooler and softer hues is “easier on the eyes” and “not so shockingly bright that it’s overwhelming,” adds Laurie Pressman, vice president of Pantone. “We do see some bold colors. However they serve more as accents and after a couple of years in the spotlight, are not as dominant as previous seasons. These new cooler shades are coming forward to provide a sense of calm, a natural response to the hectic, harried, and fractured pace of life that many of us are used to experiencing.”

Toasted Almond is among those popular neutrals this season. Eiseman describes it as a “sun-tanned neutral that offers comforting warmth.” It pairs well with Strawberry Ice, which Eiseman describes as “both tasty and tasteful; a confection color that emits a flattering and healthy glow.” Custard is also on the list of designer picks. This “sweet and sunny” choice evokes a sense of relaxation.

Among the bolder choices are Scuba Blue, an “invigorating turquoise,” as well as Tangerine, a “juicy orange shade that is energizing yet not jarring to the eye,” says Eiseman.

The bolder hues are still eye-catching, but not nearly as bright as in years past. Everything about this year’s color palette is toned down and subdued, on par with the more relaxed and peaceful life we are all striving toward. As color preferences become more about lifestyle, Pantone is also seeing a more blurred line between women’s and men’s color preferences, Pressman adds. “Classic Blue and Glacier Gray ranked in the top 10 for both men and women as did Toasted Almond, which wound up in the fifth slot for both sexes.”

THE TOP 10 COLORS FOR SPRING 2015
WOMEN’S FASHION

AQUAMARINE - an airy, ethereal blue with a cool, dreamy feel that mixes well with the other blues and greens in the Top 10

SCUBA BLUE - restores our sense of carefree playfulness, while invigorating the body and mind

LUCITE GREEN - a soft, serene green offers a fresh sense of clarity. Pairs well with Classic Blue

TOASTED ALMOND - brings balance—a great combiner color and suntanned neutral. Timeless, it provides comfort and warmth and pairs well with Strawberry Ice and Tangerine

CLASSIC BLUE - a strong and reliable anchor and, with its waterborne qualities, is perceived as thoughtful and introspective

STRAWBERRY ICE - a light, nurturing, coral tone

TANGERINE - an energizing take on orange that adds a pop to these more cooler shades. Combines well with Strawberry Ice and Toasted Almond or with Classic Blue

CUSTARD - emanates warmth and happiness. Works well with Classic Blue for the traditional maritime look

MARSALA - wine red infused brown. Bold and at the same time understated. Works well with Glacier Gray. Bring Marsala and Glacier Gray together with Aquamarine for an unexpected and exciting pairing that is perfect for spring

GLACIER GRAY - a timeless and unobtrusive gray that adds a sense of graceful relaxation as another practical neutral

A WARM FOUNDATION

Pantone’s Color of the Year, Marsala, serves as the foundation for the entire Spring/Summer 2015 palette. Eiseman says that Marsala can easily stand alone but also serves as a wonderful contrast for other hues, pairing well with Glacier Gray or Aquamarine.

“Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this robust shade incorporates the warmth and richness of a tastefully fulfilling meal while its grounding red-brown roots point to a sophisticated, natural earthiness,” Eiseman says.

“This is an organic shade that speaks to our need for what is real and what is natural,” adds Pressman. “It is not as blatantly bright as some other shades we have chosen in the past, reflecting our desire for somewhat quieter shades; shades that are still strong but just not as in-your-face. Marsala is a rich and tasteful shade—one that embodies the satisfaction of a fulfilling meal—but also emanates a sophisticated, natural earthiness.”

DESIGNER’S NOTEBOOK

Some of fashion’s hottest designers share their color inspirations.

Pressman says that “versatility” is what makes Marsala such a popular choice. “A color that can work morning, noon, or night as well as across all product areas—from apparel to fashion accessories to color cosmetics and furnishings—Marsala is a neutral shade that works well on its own or as a combiner color with other tones.”

While Pressman says that last spring was the beginning of a movement toward more of an “equilibrium” in life (better balance of work, home, and activities), this season we’re seeing that trend in its full force. With these understated, calming colors taking over the fashion world, the door is wide open for eyewear purveyors to add the perfect punch to complete the look.

A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS

More than many previous seasons, men’s styles for Spring 2015 utilize a color palette with hues outside of the women’s range and traditional seasonal directions. According to Pantone: “The menswear colors emphasize the need for uncontrived hues, where natural tones are interspersed with deep, foundational colors for an unassuming and sophisticated Top 10.”