Sunny Side Up

In the past few weeks I have been asked several times about what the new colors are for 2009. This isn't something I ever really pay attention to, I buy what appeals to me in a specific moment and it's based on more than color. But I thought as a retailer maybe I should pay a little bit more attention to the "color trends". So I went on the internet hunt for answers to several questions:

1. What are the "new" colors for 2009?
   
2. Where are these colors showing up?
   
3. What is the influence behind these colors?
   

According to the Pantone Color Institute (yes, there is an institute for color) the "new" colors for Spring 2009 are: Fuchsia Red, Salmon Rose, Palace Blue, Lucite Green, Super Lemon, Dark Citron, Lavender, Vibrant Green, Slate Gray, Rose Dust. It's not difficult to figure out that colors for spring are inspired by the season itself, new beginnings, growth, sunshine, freshness. What some of us may not realize is how much the economy and politics affect this list. Pantone chose Mimosa, a champagne infused orange juice shade of yellow, as the 2009 color of the year to represent the sentiments of the voting public. Americans are craving hope, joy and optimism. Words spoken consistently by our new administration. "Yellow is the color of change, of hopefulness, of warmth and of good cheer," says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Now some of you may be thinking current economy = doom and gloom so why aren't the colors brown, black, and maybe even red for the profit and loss reports. But those colors wouldn't translate to promoting products and we as consumers want to feel good. When I asked my 11 year old daughter to describe yellow her words were "summer, exciting, perky, cheerful, and happy." She's right on target.

So where will we see these colors? Of course they will appear in the fashion arena but also in home décor and graphic design. It will be interesting to see how the colors are infused into the products presented to us as consumers. But hey, if Mimosa makes everyone feel sunny, bright and reassured (like there's a bright yellow light at the end of the tunnel), then I'm all for it.

Mimosa

Fuchsia Red

hand knit lavender filled heart by "handmedowns" on etsy

Salmon Rose

Palace Blue

Lucite Green

Super Lemon

Dark Citron

Lavender

Vibrant Green

Slate Gray

Rose Dust

(this beautiful hat is from Amy Hamilton's Spring/Summer 2009 collection)

So tell me what you think...do you like these colors? Will you incorporate them into your closet or home and how? Click on comments and let me know.