Pantone launches Fashion Color Report Spring 2013

Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, unveiled the PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2013, a comprehensive overview of designers’ use of color in their upcoming collections. Released on the first day of New York Fashion Week, the PANTONE Fashion Color Report features the top 10 colors for women’s and men’s fashion for spring 2013, along with designer sketches, quotes and headshots. 

“The expression ‘balancing act’ is something we all relate to as we strive to find harmony in the frantic pace of our everyday lives,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “The same can be said for fashion as we look for balance between light and bright, classic and new. This season’s color palette emphasizes this need for balance, while at the same time allowing for individuality, self-expression and excitement.”

Women’s Palette

This season, designers overwhelmingly address consumers’ desire for self-expression, balance and the need to re-energize. The color direction for spring builds upon these compelling needs with a palette that mixes dynamic brights with novel neutrals to create a harmonious balance. This allows for unique combinations that offer practicality and versatility, but at the same time, demand attention and earn an appreciative glance.

The prevalence of green this spring is undeniable. Similar to the many shades in our natural surroundings, this season’s greens offer a stunning foreground or the perfect backdrop for all other hues. Like the first signs of spring, Tender Shoots, a vibrant yellow-green, is invigorating, active and cheerful, while Grayed Jade, a subtle, hushed green with a gray undertone, brings about a mood of quiet reflection and repose. Sophisticated Emerald, a lively, radiant green, inspires insight and clarity while enhancing our sense of well-being. From one extreme to the other, combining all three greens presents an intriguing choice much like Mother Nature intended.

Exotic African Violet is a statement color that brings a touch of intrigue to the palette, as purples often do, and can be incorporated into many unexpected combinations. Try pairing it with exuberant Poppy Red, a seductive, sensual and celebratory shade. Whether it’s a knockout dress or a kiss on the lips, every woman’s wardrobe and beauty essentials should include this spirited, true red.

Nectarine, a bright, effervescent citrus orange with coral undertones, provides a tangy burst of flavor while cheerful Lemon Zest brings out a piquant taste with its refreshing, spritely greenish cast.

Signifying the time of day when everything starts to wind down, Dusk Blue offers
a calming sense of serenity akin to its green counterpart, Grayed Jade. Both of these colors act as the season’s newest neutrals. For an unexpected mix, pair Dusk Blue with the intensity of Nectarine. A warm neutral, Linen is light and airy, providing a nude-like basic that is a must have for spring. Try pairing Linen with Grayed Jade or Dusk Blue. Anchoring Monaco Blue is a classic shade that offers both stability and depth to the entire palette. Combine Monaco Blue with Poppy Red and Linen, or Monaco Blue and Emerald for a fresh collegiate look. 

Men’s Palette

Similar to the women’s palette, the menswear colors for spring emphasize the need for balance with soothing neutrals accented by an array of energizing brights. As the name implies, Tidal Foam is reminiscent of the sea washing onto the shore, driven by the force of the waves. With its slight hint of green, it’s this spring’s answer to khaki as the perfect neutral. Emerald remains a powerful and brilliant jewel tone, perfect for men’s accessories and sportswear. Grayed Jade, a subtle, hushed green, as well as Dusk Blue, reminiscent of the calming tones of an evening sky, both act as staple, yet novel neutrals.

Anchoring Monaco Blue naturally has an air of masculinity, providing stability and depth to the palette. Pair it with Grayed Jade and Emerald for a strong, classic mixture. Alloy, a reliable mid-tone gray, is a necessity for spring. An easy, lightweight alternative to Black for the warmer months, Alloy makes a strong statement without the weight. Linen, an off-white, complexion-flattering hue, pairs well with many colors. Look for it combined with Grayed Jade, Alloy or Monaco Blue for classic combinations that balance light, mid and deep tones.

Dynamic and exciting Poppy Red plays a vital role in men’s fashion trends for spring and summer. Vibrant Orange, an animated, striking hue, provides vigor and enthusiasm. The robust yellow found in Sunflower offers an earthy, Dijon-like flavor, that when combined with Emerald and Monaco Blue, creates a sophisticated update to a familiar combination.

The colors featured in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report are culled from PANTONE FASHION + HOME, the most widely used and recognized color standards system in the world. 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 the global design community, fashion enthusiasts, reporters and retailers