Beauty
Maggie Gibbons
Pantone, ‘the global authority on colour’, has named its shade Living Coral as the colour of the year for 2019. How do they choose the colour? Well, according to Pantone, the colour of the year is actually a reflection of what is happening globally, an expression of a mood and an attitude based on recurring patterns or colours in daily-life situations.
Pantone describes Living Coral as ‘an affable and animating shade whose golden undertone gives it a softer edge’. It’s a bright coral that is said to reflect hope, confidence and joy. And the great news is that it suits everyone – now that really is joy!
Each season, the institute also creates its Colour Trend report, which picks out the top colours that fashion designers will feature in the collections they are showing at NY Fashion Week, which is currently underway.
Pantone’s Spring/Summer 2019 (SS19) colours fall into ‘families’ of lively blues, pinks, yellows and greens, as well as the classic neutrals, which include a ‘timeless, grounded and strong’ Brown Granite, a subtle and versatile Soybean, a buttery Sweet Corn and a deep, midnight blue called Eclipse.
Feel-good but harder-to-wear yellow will be massive this coming season. It was on all the runways in gorgeous, glowing incarnations, including sunny and cheerful Aspen Gold; comforting, golden Mango Mojito; and yellow-orange Turmeric, which looks great when paired with reds and browns.
The company’s yellow-green Pepper Stem is a subdued, soft shade that radiates warmth, and ‘encourages our desire for nature’s healthy bounty’. I reckon it will be a popular choice this season. Another green, Terrarium Moss, conjures up images of gorgeous greenery and the beauty of nature. It’s a natural, lush shade that will work well with florals.
Pinks will be everywhere this spring/summer – especially powder pinks, with all the major fashion houses and designers showing it in both dresses and suits. Pantone has two pinks in its SS19 palette: A darker, dramatic Pink Peacock and a lighter Sweet Lilac – cool colour option that is elegant and feminine. Sweet Lilac appeared on the runways with lots of frills and flounces. It looks great with Pantone’s tasteful Toffee.
Red lovers will adore eye-popping Fiesta, a true summer red that generates energy and excitement. It’s a passionate colour that looked wonderful in the catwalks’ dresses and suits. Jester Red is a deep, intense shade that adds depth and intensity, as well as elegance.
Oh and keep an eye out for Pantone’s vibrant royal blue, Princess Blue. It’s is simply majestic – and aptly named: it was a colour that Princess Diana wore frequently.
Maggie Gibbons is an Image/Style Consultant based in Louisburgh. She can be contacted at living@mayonews.ie.