For more than 20 years, Pantone (http://www.pantone.com), the global authority on color, has surveyed the designers of New York Fashion Week and beyond to bring you the season’s most important color trends. 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 Spring 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, this report previews the most prominent hues for spring 2014 and features the top 10 colors for women’s and men’s fashion for spring 2014, along with designer sketches, quotes and headshots. (The report is available for free download at www.pantone.com/spring2014.)
Top Colors for Women’s Fashion for Spring 2014
Designers take a modern twist on the traditional for spring 2014 by pairing soft pastels with vivid brights to create a colorful equilibrium. Inspired by a mixture of blooming flowers, travels abroad and strong, confident women, designers use color to refresh, revive and defy conventional wisdom.
“This season, consumers are looking for a state of thoughtful, emotional and artistic equilibrium,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “While this need for stability is reflected in the composition of the palette, the inherent versatility of the individual colors allows for experimentation with new looks and color combinations.”
Top Colors for Men’s Fashion for Spring 2014
PANTONE 15-3920 Placid Blue
PANTONE 18-3718 Purple Haze
PANTONE 18-6216 Comfrey
PANTONE 16-0000 Paloma
PANTONE 15-1225 Sand
PANTONE 14-0852 Freesia
PANTONE 18-1651 Cayenne
PANTONE 17-1360 Celosia Orange
PANTONE 19-2428 Magenta
Purple PANTONE 18-3949 Dazzling Blue
Top Colors for Men’s Fashion for Spring 2014
Men’s Color Palette
Light and airy Placid Blue is a perfect background color for spring, offering another alternative to the classic neutrals. Pair it with Comfrey, a more masculine take on the softer Hemlock green from the women’s palette, to create a fresh, seasonally inspired look. For a modernized vintage feel, pair Purple Haze, a deeper, stronger version of Violet Tulip, with Paloma, a confident and adaptable gray. Sand, a warm, agreeable neutral, can be coupled with more daring colors in the palette – making them less intimidating. Both Paloma and Sand are perfect complements to fiery Cayenne red, and help harness the powerful energy that intense Freesia yellow brings to the spectrum.
Accessories, including shoes, in bold colors, like Cayenne, Freesia and Celosia Orange, are becoming more popular for men this season, adding a touch of gusto to neutral formal attire. As the temperatures rise, we are also seeing a lot of vibrant patterning that combines bold and tropical colors in many sectors of menswear. Create a magnetic look by mixing Magenta Purple, a more robust version of Radiant Orchid, with the higher voltage colors in the palette, like Celosia Orange and Dazzling Blue. These three energetic yet versatile hues are sure to be a hit in spring 2014.
Top Colors for Women’s Fashion for Spring 2014
PANTONE 15-3920 Placid Blue
PANTONE 16-3823 Violet Tulip
PANTONE 15-6114 Hemlock
PANTONE 16-0000 Paloma
PANTONE 15-1225 Sand
PANTONE 14-0852 Freesia
PANTONE 18-1651 Cayenne
PANTONE 17-1360 Celosia Orange
PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid
PANTONE 18-3949 Dazzling Blue
Pantone Top Colors for Women’s Fashion for Spring 2014
Three very adaptable pastels sit on one end of the palette, and, because we are so accustomed to seeing them as nature’s background, they can be creatively combined with any other color in the spectrum. Placid Blue, like a picture-perfect, tranquil and reassuring sky, induces a sense of peaceful calmness, while Violet Tulip, a romantic, vintage purple, evokes wistful nostalgia. Similar to the verdant shade of springtime foliage, Hemlock, a summery, ornamental green, provides a decorative touch that’s very different from the greens of recent seasons. Pair any of these versatile pastels with a bolder hue for an au courant look.
Sand, a lightly toasted and amiable neutral, conjures images of the beach and the carefree days of summer. Try pairing Sand with Hemlock for perfect, natural balance. Paloma serves as a quintessential neutral, interesting enough to be worn alone or combined with any color for sophisticated poise.
Cayenne, a high-pitched red, adds a dash of spicy heat to neutrals, and heightens the excitement when mixed with Freesia, a blazing yellow that is sure to illuminate wardrobes this season. A tropical, floral-inspired shade, Freesia’s warmth and energy help set the stage for Celosia Orange, an optimistic, spontaneous hue. Pair Celosia Orange with Violet Tulip for a captivating vision, much like the setting summer sun.
The palette is brought full circle with Radiant Orchid, a bold counterpart to Violet Tulip, and Dazzling Blue, a scintillating, polar opposite to Placid Blue. Surprisingly, these strong, vibrant colors also pair well across the palette: They are perfect companions to pastels, and add confidence and vivacity when mixed with other bold colors.
CHRISTIAN SIRIANO
PROMINENT COLORS: We paired bright, exciting colors like Fiesta, Poppy Red and Paradise Pink, with Shell and a sheer Pink color; the bright colors matched with the soft pastels.
INSPIRATION: A recent trip to Mexico’s Isla Mujeres: the “Island of Women.” I took influence from the shapes and imagery of grass-lined huts, picturesque color-blocked residential streets, stonework and the locally abundant dahlia. There are day separates in vibrant Poppy Red and Blazing Yellow floral prints paired with raffia textiles and soft elegant organza for evening in Sand tones. The collection, like the island, is dramatic, powerful, bright, romantic and light.
SIGNATURE COLORS: It’s all about mixing prints and colors/textures together.
MUST-HAVE ITEM FOR SPRING 2014: A colorful abstract floral print dress is our key item. It’s a mix of Paradise Pink, Blazing Yellow and Poppy Red.
WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU REPAINT A ROOM OR ACCENT PIECE IN YOUR HOME? I would paint a room in Paradise Pink just for something fun and exciting. I love color for spring and this season I will not shy away from it.
HERVÉ LÉGER by Max Azria (submission by Lubov Azria, Chief Creative Officer)
PROMINENT COLORS We paired bright, exciting colors like Fiesta, Poppy Red and Paradise Pink, with Shell and a sheer Pink color; the bright colors matched with the soft pastels.
INSPIRATION We are looking at different cultural and geological references as our spring 2014 inspirations. One of the referenced that we came across is this amazing picture of a face tattoo on an old Samoan chief.
SIGNATURE COLORS Silver is the color that we are using most to enhance and illuminate bright shades of Blues.
MUST-HAVE ITEM FOR SPRING 2014 A body-conscious peplum dress with Silver zipper detail.
WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU REPAINT A ROOM OR ACCENT PIECE IN YOUR HOME? Silver. It’s cool, sensual and sexy.
REBECCA MINKOFF
PROMINENT COLORS We have a rich, varied palette of contrasting warm, summer brights offset with fresh cooler tones: Soft Peach, Shell and Blush add warm, sophisticated, feminine tones; the rich, cooler tones are represented by Sea Foam, Aloe and Lake.
INSPIRATION The collection is grounded by Classic Chalk White, reminiscent of South American white-washed villas. Warm, rich Terra-Cotta reminds us of artisan tile work.
SIGNATURE COLORS Vibrant Sun and Tangerine. Both are rich, happy, vibrant tones that are fully represented in terrace-inspired floral prints.
MUST-HAVE ITEM FOR SPRING 2014 A shoe that comes in Black and White, with tassels that are Vibrant Sun and Rich Tangerine. It’s a fun shoe that you can’t help but want to put on immediately once you see it!
WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU REPAINT A ROOM OR ACCENT PIECE IN YOUR HOME? I’d love to have a tea set in Vibrant Sun! It’s so happy and refreshing – it could make any day better!
TRACY REESE
PROMINENT COLORS I love Cyan Blue mixed with Scarlet. It’s classic and always works. Mint Green is mixing beautifully
A model walks the runway at the Tracy Reese fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2014 at The Studio at Lincoln Center on September 8, 2013 in New York City. (Photo Credit: Fraser harrison/Getty Images)
with Lapis Blue and is a wonderful accent to a primary palette. I also like Ochre mixed with all shades of Pink from dusty to shocking.
INSPIRATION Tribal cultures from Africa to the Caribbean and South America.
SIGNATURE COLORS Many different shades of Blue, from Indigo to Lapis and Cyan to Sea and Ocean Blues. They anchor every delivery. Our customer is always drawn to warm Blues – they look good on everyone.
MUST-HAVE ITEM FOR SPRING 2014 A tropical-print slip dress in a moody Pink floral print.
WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU REPAINT A ROOM OR ACCENT PIECE IN YOUR HOME? I would wallpaper an accent wall in my bedroom with one of our large floral placement prints in shades of Pink and Ochre. It’s bright and melancholy at the same time – very emotional and expressive.
TADASHI SHOJI
PROMINENT COLORS White and Lavender Rain, White and Frosted Jade, White and Antique Pink.
INSPIRATION The femininity and strength of a woman; a feminine liberation.
SIGNATURE COLORS White is the most important color for spring 2014. I pair it with almost every color in this collection
MUST-HAVE ITEM FOR SPRING 2014 The Ivory scalloped lace dress with flared skirt. It is a feminine and flirty piece that you can dress up or down.
WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU REPAINT A ROOM OR ACCENT PIECE IN YOUR HOME? I would paint an accent piece in the color Blue Hydrangea. It is a strong, yet serene, shade of Blue.
PAMELLA ROLAND by Pamella DeVos
PROMINENT COLORS Spring is a perfect opportunity to wear color, especially after being covered up all winter. For spring
Pamella Roland Spring 2014 Collection: Model on the runway during the Pamella Roland Spring 2014 Collection, during Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week, held at Lincoln Center, Monday, September 9, 2013. (Photo Credit: Fraser harrison/Getty Images)
2014, I am using vibrant colors such as Flamingo, Candy Pink, Winter Sky, Peach Whip, Mellow Yellow and highlights of metallic Silver and Gold.
INSPIRATION While attending this year’s Cannes Film Festival, I was inspired by the spirit of the South of France and the glamour that the festival has brought to the French Riviera for decades.
SIGNATURE COLORS: Flamingo because it perfectly captures the chic essence of Cannes.
MUST-HAVE ITEM FOR SPRING 2014: A Flamingo and Candy Pink t-shirt dress with a beaded front is a must have for any occasion.
WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU REPAINT A ROOM OR ACCENT PIECE IN YOUR HOME? I would repaint a bedroom in my apartment Mellow Yellow; waking up every morning surrounded by such joyful color is a perfect way to start the day.
Pantone LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, is the world’s color authority, providing design professionals with products and services for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity. This year, Pantone celebrates its 50th anniversary. Always a source for color inspiration, Pantone also offers paint and designer-inspired products and services for consumers. More information is available at www.pantone.com. For the latest news, trends, information and conversations, connect with Pantone on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
Filed under: 2014 Spring/Summer New York Fashion Week, Fashion, Fashion News Flash Tagged: executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®., Leatrice Eiseman, NEW YORK FASHION WEEK, PANTONE® Fashion Color Report Spring 2014