Radiant Orchid - Is it Hot?

Pantone Color 18-3224 may not mean much to some of you.  All you want to know is that this is supposed to be the hot 'It' color for 2014.  It's kind of a pinky purple known as 'radiant orchid'.   According to Pantone, the company that claims global authority on color trends, recently revealed radiant orchid as a captivating, magical and enigmatic purple.

Pantone says radiant orchid's multifaceted hue is "seductive" when combined with red and it pairs well with its "sister shades" of lavender, purple and pink. It also can be paired with olive and hunter greens, turquoise and teal, light yellows, gray, beige and taupe, the company says.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, in a news release said, "it's 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 draw you in with its beguiling charm."

Photos by Contributed Photo/Chattanooga Times Free Press 

 Photo by C.B. Schmelter

And you can expect to see it used for clothing to make-up to appliances.  Maybe you'll even see it on someone's hair, but not mine!

Pantone, which is in the business of selling color, gives advice to industries from clothing companies to cars and home decor.  They watch the runways at Prada, Chanel and Dior and many of the spring collections featured an abundance of pinks and purples.
And though there might not be an 'It' hem length anymore, they say there is definitely an 'It' color and as Neiman Marcus says, 'It's this pink'.  Sephora (the make-up, skin care company) says the color is widely flattering.  It's vibrant and inviting yet has enough warm tones to look good on most skin types. Nail polish and lipstick are a natural. And it's already popping up in Converse and Nike's shoes.  On the runway, Cynthia Rowley was among many designers using the color in their spring collection.  No doubt we'll see it in our fabric choices.