Radiant Orchid Hue Named As Color for 2014

Orchid is growing on us: A version of the purple hue is Pantone Inc.’s color of the year for 2014.

It follows this year’s pick of emerald green. Officially known as Radiant Orchid, the tropical shade is a color-wheel contrast to green, said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, but it’s not the red that would have been a more obvious choice. “It’s a little different, it’s a little off the beaten path, and it’s not a primary color,” she explains. “It’s an invitation to innovation. The purple family offers (an) opportunity to do creative things.”

Pantone is suggesting Radiant Orchid as the shade that summarizes the overall color trends of 2014. The rosy pink (aka Pantone 18-3224) represents a healthy glow, making projects that use it appear more energetic, says Pantone. The colour system developer sees it being combined with reds for a seductive look, or accented with similar shades of lavender, purple and pink – or contrasted with deep greens or turquoise.

(Image credit: digitalartsonline.co.uk)

Pantone says its sees the color being used to these ends across fashion, beauty and interiors – as well as advertising, graphic design and art. “We’re going to take Pantone’s interpretation with a pinch of salt though, says Eiseman.

Source: nydailynews.com, digitalartsonline.co.uk

Photo above: A model walks the runway wearing orchid during the recent Fashion Week in New York. (Image credit: nydailynews.com)