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.
“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 feminine mystique that is reflected throughout the palette, inspired by the increasing need for women everywhere to create an individual imprint."
The top colors for women’s fashion for fall 2014 are: Radiant Orchid, Sangria, Bright Cobalt, Cypress, Royal Blue, Aurora Red, Aluminum, Mauve Mist, Cognac and Misted Yellow.
The top colors for men’s fashion for fall 2014 are: Sea Fog, Bright Cobalt, Aluminum, Cypress, Sangria, Royal Blue, Radiant Orchid, Aurora Red, Cognac and 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, Pantone’s color of the year, 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 play an integral role in men’s fashion this fall, serving as staples for outerwear and formal wear throughout the cooler months.
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