It Report: The Color of Optimism
Looking to lift your attendees’ spirits this spring? You need only choose the right palette
by Aubrey Blankenship | Published in December 2008 colors | fashion | it report | Departments
This spring, let the fashion world help you infuse your events with optimism. Designers are pairing lively, hopeful colors with sophisticated, grounded hues to address the need for stability in times of economic uncertainty, according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. The organization recently released the Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2009 (pantone.com/spring2009). Fresh from the runway, here are the hot colors and color combos for spring ’09.
Dark Citron, Vibrant Green and Lucite Green
“Green is bigger than before, both because it’s so symbolic (environmentally) and it
Palace Blue reflects a much simpler, fresher state of mind,” says Ada Chan of South Pasadena, Calif.-based Fresh Events Company. Consider quintessential spring hue Vibrant Green, the more serious Dark Citron and the clean, reflective Lucite Green.
Palace Blue adds sparkle to a classic tone — but pair it with warmer colors so it doesn’t come across as cold or depressing, says Dawn Wilkinson of Six Walls, a Mercer, Wa.-based interior design company.
“I personally can’t get enough pink,” says Erin Halley of New York-based Erin Halley Events & Productions LLC. She suggests using it as an accent color, such as a pillow on a white couch.
Rose Dust, Salmon Rose
“Purple is a sophisticated color signaling a number of qualities such as luxury, romance and femininity,” says Wilkinson. Use hints of purple, just as it would be found in nature, she suggests.
Yellow “represents joy, gladness, delight and the promise of a new beginning,” says Susan Fogwell, owner of Princeton, N.J.-based floral design company Blue Thistle Floral LLC. But don’t use too much, cautions Wilkinson. It can be difficult for the human eye to take in.
“Gray is often used as a default color when the economy is stressed,” says Eiseman.
Lavender She recommends pairing gray with yellow to create a sense of grounded optimism.
“Our favorite color combination for 2009 is fuchsia and yellow,” says Lori Alexy of New York-based marketing company HJMT Communications LLC. She plans to incorporate the colors into both events and marketing pieces.
Super Lemon
Slate Gray
Fuchsia Red
About the author: Aubrey Blankenship
Aubrey is the former editor and art director of Event Solutions magazine and a freelance contributor.