Rich, Regenerating Emerald Green

Pantones Emerald green is the 2013 Color of the Year.

Many 2013 fabric collections will include emerald green, either in solids or in prints incorporating emerald with other colors.

Emerald on its own is stunning, but it combines well with other hues for more subdued outfits, like this one designed by Tracy Reese for Pantones Spring 2013 Fashion Color Report.

Pantone's Emerald green is the 2013 Color of the Year.

Photo: Pantone Institute

Green is known as a healing color. It balances as it energizes and regenerates. It also happens to be the color associated with prosperity. Visions of rich, lush emerald green forests and fields spring to mind when we think about pure, healthy environments. The mineral emerald has long been coveted for its distinctive color and fire, and has been linked to concepts of beauty. With such positive connotations, it's not surprising that emerald green has been tapped as the Pantone Institute's 2013 Color of the Year.

All you have to do is look at the spring 2013 fashion collections, fabric releases, and home decorating products (designed months ago) to see emerald green's prevalence for the coming year. All shades of green have been seeing increased use by designers over the past several seasons, according to Pantone, perhaps an indication of a more positive mindset among consumers. Emerald's dominance on the runway and in fabric collections could indicate at the very least a desire to overcome the "blahs" brought on by the economy and to inject new energy and a sense of well-being into life through our wardrobes.

I love emerald green as a color for clothing, despite the fact that it's not the most flattering shade for me. Nevertheless, I'm cheered and soothed every time I see someone else wearing a stunning emerald-colored garment. And even though I won't be sewing any clothes from emerald green fashion fabric, I think it's a gorgeous and surprising color for garment linings.

Do you like emerald green? How does the color influence your mood? What color do you expect to be using most in your sewing projects this year?

Stephani Miller, associate editor
Posted on Jan 2nd, 2013 in sewing, fabric, Pantone, emerald green, color of the year

Comments (3)

BJ_sews_on writes: This color brings back great memories! I had a summer cocktail dress in this color last time it was popular. It always looked ready for a celebration. I have a warm skintone so it's a great color for me. It doesn't stay in style for very long, I've found. Unfortunately, you'll start seeing the saturated color used for pants and jackets and that can make one look like an overgrown leprecan!

I think the trend toward jewel tones is terrific and can't wait to see it in the local stores.
Posted: 2:07 pm on March 25th

Qnypplan writes: I really love emerald green and green in almost all shades!
Posted: 12:21 pm on January 7th

CHL writes: Love emerald green. I guess I have been out of season, because I have been snapping accent pieces up in this color for years. I think an emerald gown might be on the horizon for me... Like in a shimmery silk!
Posted: 8:46 am on January 5th

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