By JeanAnn Taylor<\/p>\n
I am a woman who loves to wear color. Midst a sea of black gowns, I am often the only one wearing a teal or pink dress. That\u2019s why, at the beginning of each new year, I look forward to learning which colors will be fashionable in the coming months.<\/p>\n
The Pantone Color Institute is considered to be the authority on color predictions. Their highly regarded color forecasts reflect social trends. These colors influence our lives in ways to which we probably never gave much thought. Designers look to these color trends and create their products based on Pantone predictions. As a result, the chosen colors influence the direction of fashion in our clothing, shoes, and accessories. They also determine the colors of bedding, drapes, appliances, and even cars.<\/p>\n
Each year, Pantone chooses several colors, naming only one as the<\/i> Color of the Year. Say goodbye to the vibrant hues of marsala, emerald, tangerine tango, and honeysuckle of past years. The colors chosen by Pantone for 2016 are soft, calming, and relaxed.<\/p>\n
This year, for the first time ever, Pantone released not one, but two Colors of the Year. Rose Quartz and Serenity were selected to illustrate our changing world. Rose Quartz is a warm embracing pink tone while Serenity is a cool and tranquil blue tone. Rose Quartz conveys gentle compassion and composure, while Serenity expresses a relaxing, weightless, and airy feeling. They blend and flow seamlessly together. In addition, both colors complement deep browns, greens, purples, and all shades of pink and yellow.<\/p>\n
These two colors challenge the traditional color associations of pink for girls and blue for boys. The selection of these two colors illustrates the gender-blur of a generation that is less concerned about being judged or defined by the color they are wearing, and more focused on self-expression. This pair of colors also has political implications. In our uncertain and troubled world, they offer quiet stability. According to Pantone, Rose Quartz and Serenity reflect a \u201csoothing sense of order and peace.\u201d<\/p>\n
Along with these two main colors, Pantone also predicts the following color trends for 2016:<\/p>\n
Peach Echo: emanating friendliness and warmth<\/p>\n
Snorkel Blue: an energetic navy color implying a relaxing vacation<\/p>\n
Buttercup: a happy sunny place<\/p>\n
Limpet Shell: a shade of aqua offering clarity in a crisp modern hue<\/p>\n
Fiesta: an exciting free spirit that contrasts with the other calming colors<\/p>\n
Green Flash: representing the continued influence of nature<\/p>\n
Iced Coffee: an earthy neutral<\/p>\n
Lilac Gray: a subtle neutral<\/p>\n
I\u2019m somewhat surprised that the color of the year isn\u2019t a soft hue of lavender, which is the color of Rose Quartz and Serenity combined. But I think by choosing two colors, which is unprecedented and unexpected, Pantone made a powerful statement. So, go for it guys. As I\u2019ve always said, \u201cReal men wear pink!\u201d<\/p>\n