Another thing we waved goodbye to at the end of last year was of course the Pantone colour of 2012 – Tangerine Tango. I eagerly waited on the edge of my seat for the big colour reveal of 2013… and well, I was a little disappointed…
On 6 December, it was announced that the Pantone Colour of the Year 2013 is… Emerald. It took both Rose and me by surprise – I expected something a little more minty and light. We couldn’t help wondering about Pantone’s selection process. Does a colour become the colour of the year because it’s trending or is the reverse true? Does it become a trend because it is the colour of the year?
Emerald, a vivid, verdant green, enhances our sense of well-being further by inspiring insight, as well as promoting balance and harmony.
Here is what Pantone had to say about Emerald:
“Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious. Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the colour of beauty and new life in many cultures and religions. It’s also the colour of growth, renewal and prosperity – no other colour conveys regeneration more than green. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity.”
“Green is the most abundant hue in nature – the human eye sees more green than any other colour in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute®. “As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”
“The Colour of the Year selection is a very thoughtful process. To arrive at the selection, Pantone quite literally combs the world looking for colour influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films that are in production, travelling art collections, hot new artists, popular travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from technology, availability of new textures and effects that impact colour, and even upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention.”
“Enhance your sense of well-being at home by rejuvenating the interior with Emerald paint, accents and accessories. This jewel-like hue will create a luxurious feel in an entryway, powder room, dining room or study, and bring life to a living room as an accent wall. Add a splash of colour to the kitchen and dining room areas with Emerald dinnerware, stemware and appliances.”
Wondering how to incorporate this bold colour into your home? Consider using them in conjunction with the following colours:
White – it’s fresh, light and easy on the eyes – a perfect balance to Emerald’s loud vibrancy. Play with patterns to add elements of interest and fun.
Black – mysterious and bold. Paired with emerald it speaks of opulence and sophistication.
Blue – another jewel tone that diffuses the bold emerald and adds a beautiful cool and calming facet.
Neon Pink – not for the timid. The introduction of pops of neon pink into an emerald scheme is playful and trendy.
Ag, maybe I’m just a little biased as emerald is not one of my favourite colours. I have since stumbled across many beautiful examples of emerald… especially in the fashion design industry. Mmm, I think it will grow on me…
The Design Tabloid 
Since Marica and I had that discuss our query about “how does Pantone ascertain and determine the colour of the year?” – it really got me thinking! Here is my philosophical take on the matter (nothing has been researched, just my thoughts and possibly food for thought for other readers).
Over the past three years, one thing I have noticed is that the global ‘temperature’ in terms of economy and life definitely is one of the factors taken into account by the Pantone peeps. In the year 2011 the warm and inspiring colour was Honeysuckle Pink was selected. In 2012 another ‘fire related’ colour Tangerine was the one. Both of these colours were related to the global slow down which impacted our lives. I guess that those colours were brought into the realm of our consciousness, with a view to bring a sense of much needed cheer.
Now is 2013, the move has been away from the bright, strong fire colours (as if the economic malaise has been burnt out) and the move is afoot to herd the global consciousness towards attaining a sense of growth, nurturing, well being and balance.
I am left with the strong impression that Pantone is not touched or moved by prevailing trend colours, but rather set out to be the party to initiate and ignite global awareness towards, not only a colour trend but influence our psyche and collective behaviour… After all, that is the power and impact that colour has on our lives.
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