Pantone’s 2013 Color of the Year Emerald

For Pantone’s 2013 Color of the Year is Emerald (Pantone 17-5641), described as “lively, radiant, lush green” as in the Emerald Isle itself.

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature–the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color 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.”

Due to its resemblance to the precious gemstone of the same name, Emerald has a perception of being sophisticated and luxurious. It’s been connected to growth, renewal and prosperity. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity.

While the 2012 Color of the Year, Tangerine Tango (Pantone 17-1463) a vivid reddish orange provided a boost of energy to move forward, Emerald “enhances our sense of well-being further by inspiring insight, as well as promoting balance and harmony.” (If that’s the case, perhaps the halls of Congress should be painted Emerald?)

Eiseman reports that green have become more popular in ready-to-wear and couture in re cent season, even on the red carpet. The color is suitable for all occasions and its “classic elegance makes for striking and irresistible women’s formal and everyday wear as well as accessories.”

Among the designers who incorporated Emerald into their Spring 2013 collection include Tracy Reese, Nanette Lepore, Barbara Tfank, NAHM and Marimekko. Yet since Emerald tends to balance and act as a foil for all colors of the spectrum, it will continue to make a statement into fall and winter collections.

The harmonious nature of Emerald makes it a natural in cosmetics and beauty, too, especially a complement to peaches, pinks, roses, ruby reds and aubergines. In fact, Pantone has partnered with Sephora on a 2013 Color of the Year beauty collection, premiering in March 2013. (Get all the news here.)

Emerald also will be providing a sense of well-being in home, too. Pantone will even be offering Emerald bed linens and accessories exclusively at JCPenney stores beginning in February 2013.

Emerald (Pantone 17-5641) can also be cross-referenced to all other Pantone Libraries including Pantone Plus for graphic design. For cross-referencing information, see www.pantone.com/COY2013.

About the Pantone Color of the Year

The Color of the Year selection is a very thoughtful process. To arrive at the selection, Pantone quite literally combs the world looking for color influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films that are in production, traveling 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 color, and even upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention.

For more than a decade, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design.

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SKULL Art by Patti Friday HERE.

Patti Friday, Photojourno, reporting from inside 'The Art Dept.' at the international 'Embassy of Ideas'.