Neutral colors are forecasted to be this autumn’s most fashionable hues in a bid to provide a soothing landscape for life’s complexities. The latest insight from Pantone, Inc., the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, shows that designers are turning to soothing shades with occasional splashes of rich, vibrant colors to add an exotic dimension to the neutrals.
Each season, Pantone surveys designers showing at New York Fashion Week and collects feedback on prominent collection colors, color inspiration, color philosophy and each designer’s signature shades. This information is used to create the PANTONE® Fashion Color Report.
The top 10 most directional women’s ready–to–wear colors for autumn 2006 are:
- PANTONE 16–0906 Simply Taupe
- PANTONE 15–1216 Pale Khaki
- PANTONE 17–1045 Apple Cinnamon
- PANTONE 16–1346 Golden Ochre
- PANTONE 17–1537 Mineral Red
- PANTONE 17–0000 Frost Gray
- PANTONE 17–0613 Vetiver
- PANTONE 18–3921 Bijou Blue
- PANTONE 19–3540 Purple Magic
- PANTONE 19–1521 Red Mahogany
“Autumn 2006 is a time to transition back to more dependable colors,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director, Pantone Color Institute®. “We’re looking for colors we can wrap ourselves in – a feeling achieved through classic neutrals as a base, accented with rich hues. Half of the palette, remarkably, is expressed in basic chestnuts – all very familiar, very approachable tones. It’s an inviting warmth not seen in the past few seasons that designers are now embracing.”
Analysis of the Palette
Neutrals take center stage, as a soothing reminder of life’s many reassurances: from Frost Gray, evocative of a quiet winter morning, to Apple Cinnamon, the essence of freshly brewed tea. The neutrals, while simple, provide a landscape for complexity. The touches of rich tones in the palette add an exotic dimension to the neutrals – especially relevant as accessories continue to prevail. The combination of Pale Khaki and Red Mahogany tells the story of a classic book, bound with a velvet ribbon. Vetiver paired with Purple Magic is a plush couch decorated with a silk pillow.
Warmth and vibrancy have found a way to harmonize. This season’s orange, Golden Ochre, goes to the warm side with an umber undertone and a touch of elegance. Mineral Red adds an inviting sense of intrigue when used against a background of Simply Taupe, a basic yet comforting neutral.
Strong through several consecutive seasons, noteworthy Bijou Blue gives a sense of constancy, a color upon which we can rely. Leaning on teal, it is a rare shade that universally complements all skin tones – a beautiful color for flattering designs.
About Pantone, Inc.
Pantone, Inc., developer of the globally accepted PANTONE Color Systems, is the leading source of traditional and electronic products for the selection and accurate communication of color. With over 40 years of experience, Pantone is recognized as the worldwide market leader in color communication and color technology for the graphic design, printing, publishing, fashion apparel, home furnishings, commercial interiors and industrial design industries. More information is available at www.pantone.com.
This article was last modified on December 17, 2022
This article was first published on March 6, 2006
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