The new year is almost upon us, and it’s the perfect time for fashion-savvy sewers to start looking ahead at spring trends and deciding what to incorporate into their own sewn wardrobes. Color is always part of major fashion trends, and spring 2014 designer runways were permeated with one particular color: a bright, confident blend of fuchsia and purple with rosy pink undertones that Pantone designates Radiant Orchid. In fact, it was used so abundantly that Pantone has declared Radiant Orchid the 2014 Color of the Year.
Personally, I’m a fan of bright, in-your-face color, and Radiant Orchid is quite appealing to me. It’s one of those colors that flatter a variety of skin tones, because it has both cool and warm undertones, although it’s so attention-grabbing that many people may shy away from it. Nevertheless, this happy, exuberant shade of purple/pink is already making its way into shops, including fabric stores.
Here are just a few instances of Radiant Orchid apparel fabrics, or very close approximations of the hue, found in online fabric shops:
Chevron double knit (Fabric.com)
Pointelle Knit (GorgeousFabrics.com)
Silk Jacquard (MoodFabrics.com)
Italian Doublecloth Cotton Twill (MoodFabrics.com)
What do you think of 2014’s Color of the Year? Is it too vibrant for you to wear? Too pink? Too purple? Just plain too much? Or will you be adding some Radiant Orchid to your sewn wardrobe this spring?
It's all good!
I love the radiant orchid color...I have worn it in the past and got rave remarks about how great of a color it is for me. I am thrilled that it is in vogue now.
You know, this is my best color ever! Had a suit in this color and got rave reviews. Warm color people ( like my auburn-haired friend) have to look at the larger roster of 2014 top colors. Love it, love it!!!!
How do they know that is the color of 2014? Not trying to be argumentative. I would really like to know the process they come up with. Do they ask designers, buyers, magazine publishers?
Frankly, I don't like this color. It hurts my eyes and makes me feel claustrophobic. It has too strong a connotation to Easter for me. I do like most colors, even orange which has an even greater connotation to Halloween!
Maybe I like Halloween candy better than Easter! LOL
Oops. Should have read the very short article first. It answers my question why the color was chosen. Well, at least I made this basic, silly mistake at the end of the year. I would not want to start off the new year demonstrating such poor reading skills!
love it, if this is the color of the year, this must become my year.
I love pink and it suits me very well since I belong to the people of the color type winter. brigth colors with a blue touch
in contrast to autumn colors brown and orange and yellow touch.
I love this colour. In fact I have 2 metres of stretch woven in my stash that I have had for at least 10 years. Nice to know I can be right in fashion this year. lol.
Radiant orchid? Really? This is Barney purple, the color (and character) dreaded by mothers of small children everywhere. My son is now in college and I still think of that damn dinosaur every time I see this color!
Sorry, I'm not a fan of season-based color analysis - or of this color. I can use it, with caution, as an accent. I'll enjoy it that way. Isn't it wonderful that we have a great big box of crayons to choose from?
I love this color! Personally, my favorite color is purple, followed by pink. So great to have them in a combination! I'll be adding this color to my clothing and, as an accessory maker, I see handbags, scarves, jewelry and more in my future!
Even though it looks good on Runway, this color makes me look sick. Just not the best for me, I guess. Good thing the Pantone has more choices than just this one.
For once I'm ahead of the game?! I used this color in a jersey knit this summer/fall. I'm a brunette/hazel and the color is perfect for me.
Hey ya'll…I'm trendy!!!! lol lol
This color may be chosen by the clothing designers, but I will not be using it. I don't know whether I'd look good in orchid, but I would NOT FEEL like I look good in it, which is what counts. (it would not coordinate with the clothes in my closet either) Many years ago someone gave my daughters matching sweatshirts in a deeper purplish color. The first day they wore those to school each child was sent to the nurse by at least one teacher: one child was sent because she looked feverish, the other was sent because she looked pale. They arrived home indignant at the whole situation and neither wore purple again. (They kept the sweatshirts for weekends and camping) On the other hand my sister will probably enjoy Radiant Orchid as much as she likes anything from pale lavender to deep purple. Some colors have universal appeal, this doesn't seem like one of them.
As long as it is the right shade, I love the color purple. It has been my favorite for years, and have many items in that color in my wardrobe. Glad to see that it will be even more available in other fabrics.