Color Trends

AkzoNobel ColourFutures declares Terra Cotta Rose the International color of 2012

 in Color Trends / General Fashion / Trends  tagged akzonobel / color of the year / interviews / red / spring 2012 by

There are many color experts in the marketplace who conduct a thourough analysis of trends and predict which colors will be hot during any given year. Every year fashion magazines, news outlets and bloggers pick up on the “color of the year” as declared by global color experts. While we talked about Pantone’s color of the year, Tangerine Tango for 2012 in December, AkzoNobel has released their color for 2012, which happens to be Terra Cotta Rose.

AkzoNobel was the first company to begin declaring a “Color of The Year” back in 2003 when the company put together ColourFutures and predicted the “IT” color for 2004. For 2012, AkzoNobel has declared Terra Cotta Rose the color of 2012, which is a warm reddish-pink hue.

While AkzoNobel’s colors tend to be found in paints and fabrications used in interior design, the spaces we live in are also a reflection of who we are and our lifestyles. This is why the hot interior design color for 2012 can also be found in the fashion industry. Shades of red have already been spotted in pre-fall 2012 collections which designers and brands such as Alice + Olivia and Rachel Zoe have released through photographs to the general public. Shades of red have also been spotted alongside orange hues on store shelves for the spring 2012 season; proving that red is an important color for 2012.

Terra Cotta Rose is a warm, pinkish-red which can easily blend with warm and cool colors; making it an easy color to work with when it comes to creating the perfect color blocked ensemble for spring or summer. The warm hue is also a great transitional color from spring into fall; making it a smart investment color.

*Special THANK YOU to Barbara from AkzoNobel for taking the time to speak with me about the intricate process of gathering color experts from around the globe to meet and discuss current color trends. The meeting involves twenty global experts who discuss color trends in their region. The meeting determines which colors will be hot for the following year on a worldwide scale. To see the full report, please visitcolourfutures.us

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The softer side of spring 2012

 in Color Trends / General Fashion / Trends  tagged pastels / runway trends / spring 2012 by

Spring 2012 is all about color. While bright and bold colors are hot, Paris gave the fashion world another color palette to think about; pastels. The Paris pastel trend seemed to be nothing more than a mere introduction when it graced the runways during Paris Fashion Week last fall. Normally when a trend first appears on the runways, store buyers and Fashionistas take notice, but do not go full force into wearing the trend. Not true this spring 2012 season. Pastels are more important than one would think.

When Paris introduced pastels, many forecasters thought it was an introduction and that in 2013 and 2014 pastels would overtake the bright colors we have grown to love during the past year. Although bright colors are highly sought after and important for spring 2012, pastels are taking an equal place in the world of spring fashion.

Pastels shades are being shown in many forms from color blocking to stand-alone hues. Pastels are being shown with whites, creams, pale beige and soft neutrals on feminine silhouettes; playing up the sweet side of the pastel color spectrum.

There is no denying that pastels are a fast up-and-comer. The hues are being shown in make-up for spring as well as on store shelves everywhere. While this is no signal to stop investing in bright colors, it does tell shoppers to mix it up in spring 2012 and invest in both bright colors and pastels. Look for pastel florals, stand-alone colors and soft color blocking. Pastels are a great way to feel fresh and perfect for days when orange, the color of 2012, is just too bright for the occasion.

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Fine gemstone jewelry in shades of orange for spring 2012

 in Color Trends / General Fashion / Jewelry / Trends  tagged fall 2012 / fine jewelry / orange / spring 2012 / summer 2012 by

When Pantone announced that Tangerine Tango, a slightly red-orange shade will be the “IT” color for 2012, Fashionistas everywhere began taking inventory and shopping their closets for the coveted shade. While orange apparel, handbags and shoes may not suit everyone’s taste, fine jewelry normally does. One of the easiest ways to wear 2012’s hot shade of orange is through a classic piece of fine jewelry.

There are many different styles of fine jewelry on the market. Precious metals and stones can be found in classic settings as well as designed in of-the-moment styles. Whichever style of fine jewelry you prefer, semi-precious stones and fine metals will last a lifetime and are an investment; therefore, you can easily purchase an orange hued gem this season and wear it forever.
Colored gemstones never go out of style; but orange gems are hotter than ever for 2012. There are many different types of orange gemstones on the market right now. Here is a list of some popular gemstones and semi-precious stone to look for when shopping for orange-toned fine jewelry:

Citrine: This sparkling orange stone ranges from yellow-orange to red-orange hues. Citrine is a popular and classic gemstone most commonly found in timeless settings. Citrine is also the birthstone of November and planetary stone for Virgo. In classic settings, citrine is commonly found in yellow-gold, more modern settings with citrine are done in white gold or sterling silver.

Fire Opals: Fire Opals are opaque, red-orange stones which are close in hue to Pantone’s Tangerine Tango; the color of 2012. This is the perfect stone to wear during the day or evening due to the opaque, understated nature of the stone. Fire Opals can be found in classic settings as well as avant-garde designs.

Amber: This orange stone is a soft, medium orange which blends well with both spring and fall shades of orange. The opaque nature of amber allows it to be worn during the day or for evening events; making it a versatile stone. Amber, like Fire Opal, can be found in both classic and designer settings. Amber also happens to be the star sign for Taurus.

While citrine, Fire Opal and Amber happen to be the most common orange stones on the market, there are several other styles of orange hued gemstones a Fashionista can choose from. Shining and sparkling gems includes Zircon, Orange Sapphire, Chrysoberyl, Topaz and Hessonite Garnet. These gems can be found in classic cuts and settings and are considered timeless, semi-precious stones.

There are also several opaque, orange hued gemstones which are perfect for everyday wear. Coral, Chalcedony and opals can be found in varying shades of orange, and are not priced too high. There are also additional opaque, orange hued stones such as Carnelian and Montana Agate which offer unique colorations and varying shades of orange within each piece.

Fine jewelry with an orange stone set in white gold, yellow gold or sterling silver makes an easy and beautiful way to invest in 2012’s hottest color off the runway. Below is a sample of jewelry pieces we found around the web which offer both the hottest color of 2012 and timeless beauty. Enjoy!

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