Pantone Announces Color of the Year for 2010

Pantone LLC ,the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today announced PANTONE® 15-5519 Turquoise, an inviting, luminous hue, as the color of the year for 2010. Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.

“In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”
Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

In fashion, Turquoise makes a statement that can look elegant and dressy in fine silk and gemstones, or casual and fun in cotton and athletic apparel. Because of its versatility, Turquoise is a great accent color in jewelry, purses, shoes, hair accessories and even nail polish for women, and ties, shirts and sportswear for men.

Tinsley from Jet Set Next

Taylor from Dramatical

Trendspot saw this coming and showed Turquoise in several tints and shades in our 2009-2010 Trend Color Palettes. Most notably in Dramatical and Jet Set Next.

Spotted: Not So Mellow Yellow

Pantone has named Mimosa, an orange-juice tinted yellow, the 2009 color of the year. The hue is best illustrated by the abundant flowers of the Mimosa tree and the sparkle of the brilliantly hued cocktail.
According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, yellow is the color of change, of hopefulness, of warmth . "We chose yellow based on the ... elephant in the room, the economy," says Eiseman. “The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance,” explains Eiseman “Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation.”

We spotted yellow popping up all over the place on both sides of the Atlantic.

Yellow provides the POP in color and pattern schemes at Heimtextil 2009.



Window shopping in the Saint Germain in Paris, I spotted this tablescape at Misssionier. They duplicated the window in their booth at M&O.



Houles booth at Editeurs M&O showcasing their Soho trim with citron yellow drapery panels.

Tamara Bed Linens from Marimeko for Crate and Barrel. Who wouldn't be happy under these covers?