Pink for 2011

I've just learned (late to the party as usual) that Pantone's 2011 color of the year is Honeysuckle 18-2120. Pantone describes Honeysuckle as a "dynamic reddish pink."

Those of you who read this blog regularly may have guessed--if I haven't already announced it--that I love pink!  So I was super excited to see that honeysuckle is the new turquoise (Pantone's color of the year for 2010).  Don't get me wrong--I think turquoise is a truly great color, but it's just not pink.

In honor of honeysuckle as color of the year, I will offer 10 percent off any custom sweater order placed in 2011 if honeysuckle is one of the colors in the sweater.  Email me (yellowhouseknits@gmail.com) for details, and mention this offer.

Hot Colors for Fall

In February, the color wizards at Pantone introduced the hot colors for fall 2010.  Now that fall is almost upon us, I thought it was worth revisiting them.  Here they are:

And here's what Pantone said about them:

Exotic Purple Orchid, a purple leaning to fuchsia, is an unexpected choice for fall, imbuing a bit of magic and vibrancy to the season. Elegant Chocolate Truffle, evocative of delicious treats, is a rich brown with piquant plum undertones, that pairs tastefully with Purple Orchid. Not your mother’s avocado green, Woodbine takes last season’s neutral greens to a whole new level, and when mixed with Purple Orchid and Chocolate Truffle, results in a stunning combination.

Lagoon, this season’s turquoise – Pantone’s 2010 color of the year – is guaranteed to add a tropical splash. A great color for fall and winter escapes, Lagoon is a popular hue, especially in accessories, pairing dynamically with all shades of red. Lipstick Red, a deeper, more dramatic sensual red, makes its imprint on fall, particularly in cosmetics.

Reminiscent of a radiant sunset on a brisk autumn evening, Golden Glow, an earthy, deepened shade of yellow, creates a retro look with Purple Orchid or Woodbine. A softer, more inviting orange with a hint of pink undertone, Living Coral is the perfect complement to Lagoon, whether heading for a tropical destination or just fantasizing about it. Crisp Endive, a revitalizing yellow-green, adds freshness to this season’s top ten, and will enliven any wardrobe. Add it to Lagoon, Chocolate Truffle and Purple Orchid for an invigorating fall look.

Oyster Gray, a classic neutral that grounds the palette, is a lighter take on the traditional fall gray, as designers heed consumers’ concern about the economy and deliver investment pieces that carry through to spring 2011. Rose Dust, a flattering beige, offers an ethereal, romantic, wispy option to span the seasons.

I love how bright and bold they are.  No wimpy colors this fall! 

Check out Pantone's Fashion Color Report for Fall 2010, which includes sketches and commentary from leading designers.