Orange Blossoms And False Eyelashes

February 23, 2012

I found this article and thought that with all of the great buzz surrounding Tangerine Tango that it would be fun to look back at when it all started. I excerpted a paragraph from the article for your viewing pleasure and included a link to the full article at the bottom.

“Sephora is about to bring out a limited-edition spring cosmetics line with orange eye makeup—including orange false eyelashes made from feathers. The renaissance of orange extends to many facets of design: The Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah, recently installed a luxury ski lift called the Bubble Express—with heated chairs in eye-popping orange.

F. Martin Ramin for The Wall Street Journal

 This renaissance for orange has been a long time coming. The color was popular in the 1920s, and again in the 1960s, with a lesser renaissance in the ’80s.”

Are you hearing the buzz about the Pantone x Sephora collaboration? Will you be rushing out to pick up some of these limited-edition goodies?

Orange Blossoms Especially for 2012 – WSJ.com.

The Challenge Of The Light Bulb

October 18, 2011

As you know, if you are a follower of our blog, we often refer to articles from Wired Magazine. At one time a publication only for techies, the magazine has become much more user-friendly, especially for those of us who appreciate a bit of simplification.

In a recent issue, there was an article on lighting that explained some of the changes and new technologies that have affected color rendering. One of the most fascinating aspects of the article, written by Dan Koeppel, is the resistance that many consumers have in changing to the newer bulbs and fixtures that are so different from those products we are more accustomed to.

Credit: Philips Lighting

Koeppel observes: ”Evolutionary biologists believe that human lighting preferences are the result of our trichromatic vision—rare in non-primates—which makes us particularly suited to daylight and perception of primary colors. There’s an anthropological component as well; for 4,000 years, humankind has been banishing darkness with fire. And Edison’s bulb, at its core, is a burning filament that casts a glow of flame. Abandoning incandescent bulbs means abandoning fire as our primary light source for the first time in human history.”

I never thought about it that way, but it certainly makes sense and answers the resistance that is being shown to accepting the newer look in light bulbs. Actually, from a design standpoint, some of the squiggly shapes of the newer energy saving bulbs are really quite interesting. The challenge is balancing a lampshade on some of them. However, there are some manufacturers that are using the odd shapes as a design component.

Plumen 001

A chart explains the meaning of color temperature very simply. It states: “Expressed in degrees Kelvin, this is how we measure things like soft white or daylight. A pleasant soft white will have a color temperature of 3000K. White light ranges from 4100K to 6000K, roughly equal to noonday sun. Higher numbers get increasingly bluer”.

The Human Eye Is Notoriously Fickle

September 14, 2011

I was interviewed for the following article that appeared in Women’s Wear Daily Beauty Inc. and edited by Belisa Silva. 

The article included some of the outstanding summer colors that are showing staying power for the fall.

What colors were your favorites this summer and what colors will you transition into fall?

Something Old, Something New

July 1, 2011

One of my friends and a colleague, Judi Noble, is head colorist for Fiesta Dinnerware. She is also an artist who loves whimsy and color.

In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Fiesta has issued a series of pieces in an exciting new anniversary color-Marigold. Available for only 75 weeks, Marigold comes in the complete dinnerware collection, as well as a limited edition numbered Soup Tureen.

My contribution to the 2011 release was “The color of comfort (and many comfort foods), Fiesta Dinnerware’s Marigold reminds us of vibrant florals and cheering sunshine-guaranteed to coax a smile and provide the perfect background for edibles (and drinkables).”

Pink Plascon Spaces

June 24, 2011

Anne Roselt is the color manager for Plascon Paints in South Africa. She is a delightfully talented person who attended our color/design program in January.

For Plascon’s Spaces magazine Anne chose pink as her theme.

Following are some visuals from the magazine.

Seems that the hue has struck a universal chord.

Nice Day For A White Wedding

February 28, 2011
One of our color loving colleagues, Jude Stewart, has written an interesting article about color, tradition and weddings. It is a very fascinating look at the use of white in weddings throughout time. A quote from Jude’s post states that “Custom has decided, from the earliest ages, that white is the most fitting hue, whatever may be the material. It is an emblem of the purity and innocence of girlhood, and the unsullied heart she now yields to the chosen one.”

Chapter 13 in Colors For Your Every Mood is dedicated to white and its mark in society. Here is an excerpt about “Innocent White”.

“There is an innocence to white, a christening-dress kind of chasteness, an unsullied childlike naivete. It is traditionally the color of babies or brides. Baptismal and confirmation dresses are white, and some orders of nuns are married ceremonially to the church in a white gown. The ancient Greeks started the tradition of white at weddings, which they saw as a bridal symbol of joy. On the eve of her wedding ceremony, the Greek bride painted her body white, on her wedding day she wore white flowers in her hair and a flowing white gown. For thousands of years, the Japanese have seen white as pure, innocent, and virginal. The ladies of the court and shrine maidens, however, wore their white kimonos over red pantaloons! In the United States, white did not become the standard color for wedding dresses until the 1800s, and colonial brides wore a variety of pastel colors.”

color colour fashion style clothes wedding bride marriage tradition

Making My Way To IHA

February 22, 2011

We are quickly approaching the 2011 International Home Housewares Show in Chicago, Illinois. The show starts Sunday March 06 and goes through March 08. If you will be in the area and are interested in attending click the image for more information.

You don’t want to miss out on this because Lee will be sharing Pantone’s 2012 View Home forecast for the first time.

Suit Up and Finish with Coats of Many Colors (for Men)

January 28, 2011

Today I dedicate this post to the men in our lives. Often we women are talking about what colors we should be wearing or how we can look our best and I wondered if the men felt left out. In the event that they do feel left out, I offer up this little gem for the man who wants to make a statement with his wardrobe.

The Hollywood Reporter gives the man some tips on How to Dress The Part White Collar.

“From his fedora to footwear choices, Neal Caffrey-the dashing con atist-turned-FBI consultant on the USA Network drama White Collar-can probably claim the mantle of best-dressed man on television. “Neal’s look is Rat Pack-meets-Harry Belafonte-meets Thomas Crown with a little bit of Alain Delon in Le Samourai,” says the show’s star, Matt Bomer. In the series, Neal is rarely seen in anything but impeccably tailored suits (John Varvatos and Simon Spurr are favorites) with slim-fit, French cuff dress shirts. Sharp men’s accessories including bold-patterened ties with sterling tie bars, pocket squares and cuff links refine his style…”

“The focus is classic pieces with unexpected pairings like a textured pink shirt with a lavender tie.”

Do you want to know how you can recreate Neal’s look?

1. Find a reputable tailer. “A good tailer can make a $150 suit look like $1000, but a $1000 suit that isn’t properly tailored can look like it only cost you $150.”

2. Invest in the basics. “Every guy should own a couple of sharp dress shirts in simple colors like white and blue that are versatile.”

3. Suit up. “You need black, navy and, for those warmer-eather moments, maybe gray or a light-tan suit.”

4. Remember that the accessories make the man. “Your cuff links, ties and tie bars should reflect your character.”

For those of you men out there who prefer to make more of an impact and who may think outside of the box, consider adding a flashy jacket to finish your ensemble.

Coats of Many Colors (for Men) – WSJ.com.

It Was Thirty Years Ago Today

January 21, 2011

I woke up singing “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and feeling a little nostalgic. The lyric “It was twenty years ago today” was in repeat in my head. Feeling inspired, I thought it might be fun to take a look back at some vintage advertising from the 80s, hence the post title.  As many of you trend followers are aware, right now fashion is all about the 80s, especially for kids. So, why not revisit the time that is so heavily influencing us right now.

It was fun and shocking to see all of the funky fashion. I was most taken by the use of Honeysuckle. I know, I know, you may be growing tired of all the talk of this color but I promise this post will be a little different.

There are many interesting “trends” happening now that were also happening in the 80s. Brace yourselves.

Frankie says relax don’t do it….Fur and Honeysuckle.

I haven’t been brave enough to try this look as an adult. Socks and sandals…I might need to leave this one to the kids.

This fantastic graphic in Black, White and Red with Honeysuckle. Can’t you just see Lady Gaga in these shades. Rah Rah ooh la la.

I think this chair is the only item that seems to be timeless and just happens to be pink. Good design never goes out of style.

Good golly Miss Molly and John Crier and Pink, oh my!

So many things happening here. Short shorts, side ponytail, pegged sweats with knee seaming, head bands, vests and this years Honeysuckle with last years Turquoise. My head just exploded.

I hope you had fun in this 80s time warp. It seems like such a long time ago and yet so very current. Was it too horrifying for you? I don’t think any of these images are nearly as scary as some of my personal fashion statements from then.

Have a great weekend!

Head To Toe In Honeysuckle, Do You Dare?

January 14, 2011

Of course you wouldn’t actually wear Honeysuckle from head to toe, unless you were trying to make a serious monochrome statement (which may or may not be a good thing).

 

 

For the rest of us it might be safer to use it in small doses. This article posted yesterday from the Huffington Post gives some great examples of how to bring in the Honeysuckle trend with makeup.

Anna De Souza: Pantone’s 2011 Color: Honeysuckle, Beauty Trend to Try?

Since we are talking about makeup I thought I would share a link to this wonderful blog which focuses on both makeup and nail polish.

Honeysuckle: The New “it” Colour for 2011 « ommorphia beauty bar

How will you be wearing Honeysuckle this year?