Radiant Orchid, Pantone 18-3224, has been named 2014’s color of the year for its “captivating, magical and enigmatic” properties.
“While the 2013 color of the year, Pantone 17-5641 Emerald, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society. An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”
Radiant Orchid’s rosy undertones radiate on the skin, producing a healthy glow when worn by both men and women. A dazzling attention-getter, Radiant Orchid permeated the runways during the spring 2014 fashion shows and is already making its way onto the red carpet. Fashion designers featured in the Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2014 included Emerson by Jackie Fraser-Swan, Juicy Couture and Yoana Baraschi, who are incorporating Radiant Orchid into their spring collections and variations of the hue will carry into men’s and women’s clothing and accessories throughout next year, Pantone reports.
The color is also making its way into beauty products and home decors. “Spruce up interior spaces by incorporating this eye-catching hue in paint, accent pieces and accessories. As adaptable as it is beautiful, Radiant Orchid complements olive and deeper hunter greens, and offers a gorgeous combination when paired with turquoise, teal and even light yellows,” Pantone said in a statement.
This hue is also intensified when combined with red and also pairs well with sister shades of lavender, purple and pink. “The vibrant color is sure to liven up neutrals including gray, beige and taupe. Uplifting and bold without being overpowering, Radiant Orchid re-energizes almost any color palette and provides a unifying element for diverse spaces.”
Pantone’s annual color selection is influenced by movies in production, fashion runways, traveling exhibitions, new artists, technology, travel hot spots, sports and other socio-economic observations.
