By Aaisha Zafar Islam

Pantone Colour Of The Year 2014

Every year, since 2000 Pantone has been coming up with a colour of the year to embody the global zeitgeist. The company has country representatives from around the world meet in secret twice every year, to decide on a colour for the coming year. The colours that have been named as Pantone Colour of the Year so far have been varied, encompassing shades of blues, reds and yellows.

The colour is important in how on trend one wants to stay as industry leaders, designers and companies do look up to Pantone`s designated colour palette before starting on their creative processes.

Pantone Colour of the Year for 2014 was declared as Radiant Orchid late last year. According to company’s press release, `Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination. It is an expressive, creative and embracing purple—one that draws you in with its beguiling charm. A captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid emanates great joy, love and health`.

Worn on the face

Worn as a soft wash on the eyes, lilacs, are flattering colours on most eyes but they particularly complement brown and hazel eyes. The colour is light and airy that opens up the eyes, giving you a bright-eyed look.

Worn as an eyeliner, again the colour draws light and attention to the eye area and eases away signs of fatigue. If you want to look fresh, despite few hours of sleep, get an eyeliner in this hue.

As a lip or blush colour, Radiant Orchid challenges you to step out of your comfort zone of pink, corals and peaches.  It is a colour that adds warmth and life to the face, working with one’s complexion to enliven it.

Sephora has been partnering with Pantone since 2012 to come up with beauty products. For an inexpensive option, look up the beauty aisles at your local drugstore. Most drugstore make up brands have been improving their game, giving higher end products a run for their money.

In your wardrobe

It is easy to include a statement piece or two in the colour into your wardrobe and stay on trend.

Pantone’s declaration often decides on what colours would be most seen in leading designers’ collections. In fact, you can go through Pantone`s Fashion Colour Reports for colour combinations that would be key in coming seasons. Spring 2014 and Fall 2014.

Muslim moms often have to layer their clothing to make them more modest. A simple blazer or cardigan in the colour is a quick and easy way to jazz up a plain outfit, and stay on trend as well.

Scarves, plain or printed, are another way you can include the colour in your dressing. In fact, if you rifle through your closets, you are likely to find more than an item in this colour already.

Accessories, Let Them Talk

The right kind and colour of accessories can take an outfit from drab to fab in minutes. A slouchy hobo, big enough to carry the essentials of a mom, or a smart clutch with just the basics, is a great way to add some colour to your person.

Footwear in this colour would also look chic, as would a cocktail ring or a neckpiece.

Just remember that you don`t have to deck out in Radiant Orchid all over, but make it a part of your outfit to look in tune with times.

And most importantly, believe in yourself and know that you are fabulous!

About the author:

A trained communications specialist, Aaisha Zafar Islam has worked for publications, e-zines and TV channels in Pakistan as well as UAE and launched Pakistan’s first Media Sciences degree program.  Her sagacity stems from years of abject sleep deprivation.

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