In case you haven’t heard, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2014 is Radiant Orchid (Pantone 18-3224).  I asked my graphic designer extraordinaire – Lauren Williams/OMG designs – to re-color my logo and make a Facebook cover image in homage to this trend.  Doesn’t Paisley look fabulous in this pink-ish purple-ish hue?

What’s a Color of the Year, you ask? Each year for over a decade, Pantone, Inc., best known for its color matching system designed for the print industry, declares a particular hue the “it girl” of colors for the year. Fashion designers and product manufacturers for everything from clothing and cosmetics to textiles and home décor are known to incorporate the Pantone color selection in that year’s designs and products.

So, you can expect to see, if you haven’t already, a lot of pinks and purples in stores this year. On their website, Pantone describes Radiant Orchid as a color that “blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination. It is an expressive, creative and embracing purple—one that draws you in with its beguiling charm. A captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid emanates great joy, love and health.”

In their press release, they go on to say: “Blending both cool and warm undertones, purple is an appealing hue for distinctive combinations and flattering to many hair, eye and skin tones.” This means almost anyone can wear this year’s trendiest color. Although for some of us, that will be nail polish, or a nice blouse, and perhaps not shades of fuchsia eye shadow. At least, not at the office.

In terms of how to accessorize Radiant Orchid, Pantone suggests “[t]his multifaceted hue is seductive when combined with red and pairs well with its sister shades of lavender, purple and pink …”

As it happens, I have quite a selection of original hand-crafted jewelry designs in my Etsy shop in reds, lavender, purples, and pinks.  I also have some handmade buttons that would look fabulous on handmade sweaters. And of course, you can find jewelry in black, white, and gray in my shop, to complement Radiant Orchid this year, and any past or future “on trend” colors in your wardrobe. And you can always contact me about a custom design.