Two times a year. That’s it. Just two times a year a group of the 10 most influential people in the “color” business meet in a secret location in Europe. They just talk about color. They don’t have discussions about globalization or the value of the US dollar but, what comes from behind the closed meetings profoundly influences the entire world. The result of these meetings is a publication of the hottest trends in colors for that season. Which colors are “in,” (and presumably which colors are “out”) are decided inside plain white walled rooms during these intense bi-annual sessions. This controlled development of color trends is what industry watchers call: color forecasting.
So, does this color forecasting work? Does it set the trend? The moving force behind these meetings is a color development company based in Carlstadt, New Jersey called, Pantone. They are in the color making business and it’s Pantone, who invites these color gurus for their May and November meetings. According to a NPR market research group Pantone is in involved in about half of all garments sold in the United States. It is without doubt that Pantone moves the color market. So, when those secret doors are opened, everyone from car companies in Detroit to fashion houses in Paris take notes.
"Ladies and Gentlemen - The moment you have all been waiting for is now. What are the fashion color trend predictions for Fall 2011?"
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Image Credit: The Pantone Color Report
Leatrice Eiseman is the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. When asked to comment on this 2011 fall line of colors she mused on the combination of “bright colors with staple neutrals;” reminiscent of the color palettes of “master painters.”
Just one more note for you color forecasting followers – “Romantic” is going to be a keyword on the color PR spin floor this season. Look for it.
Want to shop “color?” Check Suzanna Dai’s Summer Collection and Jane Marvel Handbags to see amazing uses of color in jewelry and accessories.
