Emerald green is so 2013. Say hello to Radiant Orchid, Pantone’s color of the year for 2014.
Those who aren’t familiar with phalaenopsis may wonder: What, exactly, is Radiant Orchid?
In the company’s annual press release, Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, described the pretty purple as “an enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones” that “inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health.”
“While the 2013 color of the year…Emerald, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination.”
A dazzling attention-getter, this modern and surprisingly versatile shade permeated the catwalks during the S/S 2014 runway shows and is already finding its way onto the red carpet.
As a blend of both cool and warm undertones, purple is an appealing color for unique combinations. And its rosy undertones is very flattering to a number of hair, eye and skin tones – producing a healthy glow when worn by both men and women.
So spruce up your show outfit this season with this versatile shade! It really pops when combined with a red and also pairs super well with its sister shades of lavender, purple and pink!
My favorite pairings, though, are with olive and deeper hunter greens. And it looks gorgeous when paired with turquoise, teal and even light yellows.
Likewise, the lovely hue livens up neutrals including gray, beige and taupe. Uplifting and bold without being overpowering, Radiant Orchid reenergizes nearly any color palette.
But whether your agree with this Pantone selection or not, the “Color of the Year” is a friendly reminder to the designer in all of us to be conscious of our use of colors, as colors have inherently come to be carried with meaningful undertones and the ability to emotionally affect oneself and others.
What do you think of 2014’s new color? Will you be incorporating it in your show look this year?
