Pantone: A Study in Contrasts

Bag Trends: Pantone: A Study in Contrasts

We are very excited to announce our new monthly trend segments from Pantone. This is our first installment regarding the important colors for fall 09.

Design and color trends are not conjured up in a crystal ball--they are the result of much observation of the surrounding natural world as well as the influences that will impact the world of the future. They include social issues, the economy, technology, lifestyles and playstyles, diversions, entertainments and most importantly, the needs, moods, fantasies and aspirations of consumers that are then translated into appropriate styling, colors and combinations.

As the world of fashion got ready for the fall 2009 runway shows, we wondered if the movement toward independence we had been seeing over the last few seasons would be tempered by the contracting state of the US economy and the global reverberations to this. The world as we know it is taking us further into uncharted territory and there is a mood of seriousness and sobriety everywhere we turn. And we wanted to know how this new mood of financial conservatism and austerity that has begun to swiftly creep back into the culture would impact color and the fashions our US designers would present on the runways at Bryant Park.

It seemed to us that the color palettes shown for fall 2009 were a study in contrasts. “The fall 2009 palette is more unique and thoughtful then typical autumnal hues of years past. Designers recognize the desire for fundamental basics that speak to current economic conditions, but also understand the need to incorporate vibrant color to grab the consumers’ eyes and entice them to buy”. Important colors for fall 2009 include:

1) Deeper blue reds and crimsons as they evoke the sumptuousness of the Orient
2) Sapphire Blue which continues to be strong as it serves as a complement to neutrals and when mixed with other deep bright brings them to life
3) Peacock Blue because it is deep and bold and is both directional and classic at the same time
4) Charcoal Grey as it is both safe and easy to assimilate. Works in a total head-to-toe tonal story or to offset brighter tones.
5) Hot Pinks for its vividness and fresh appeal
6) Winter Yellows to inject sunny optimism
7) Black as the perfect backdrop for pops of vibrant color
8) Pomegranate and Brick Red because they are feminine, sticking and bold
9) Beiges as a foundation for pairings with rich and saturated brights
10) Amber as the symbol of courage

Author: Laurie Pressman (Want to become a Handbag Correspondent?)

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