by Connie Cook, Senior Product Manager
As millions around the world recently tuned in to watch the royal wedding between American actress Meghan Markle and Britain’s Prince Harry, all eyes were on not only the bride’s gown, but also the guests’ attire. From sweet pastels to bolder color statements, color certainly made an impression at the star-studded event. For those that follow color trends, the fashion hues that were seen were validation of current color trends that have already appeared in fashion, home décor and other consumer product categories. Now that they’ve been seen in the globally-viewed royal wedding, expect these on-trend colors to stick around awhile. If you’d like to see the royal wedding fashions, see the link at the end of this blog.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic in downtown Manhattan, the 2018 International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) opened at the Javitz Center. Home furnishing manufacturers, interior designers and home décor professionals gathered to view new trends in furnishings, flooring, lighting, wallcoverings and more. And surprise (not surprised): a similar color story emerged at ICFF.
What could these two events possibly have in common? More significant to this blog and audience, what could these events possibly have to do with custom framing? These events confirm that the color stories appearing in both events are strong. To give your frame shop a spring makeover, try incorporating the new color stories into retail displays and framed samples.
A quick note about the connection between fashion and home décor
Before technology connected us to every corner of the world every second of the day, color trends generally appeared first in runway fashion. It would take several years for color trends to trickle down to other product categories, including home and wall décor, ready-to wear fashion, consumer products, etc. Today, while many color trends still first appear in fashion, they almost instantaneously transcend into other product categories.
Blush
Blush, or Dusty Pink, was probably the most popular color seen at the Royal Wedding. Guests including Oprah, Serena Williams and even Camilla Parker Bowles donned this soft color that seems universally flattering for all skin tones. Even the new Duchess of Sussex chose this gentle color for her outfit at her first post-wedding public appearance. This color trend can be found in both warmer peachy versions as well as those leaning to lavender, but are all slightly grayed versions of “Millennial Pink”, which blasted on the scene in 2016 as one of Pantone’s Colors of the Year (Rose Quartz).
This color trend is making a huge impact in home décor as well. It creates a sophisticated, yet soothing mood and easily adapts to many materials and design styles. Blush made a strong showing at ICFF, and was found in surfaces including ceramics, leather and fabric upholstery.
Green
Queen Elizabeth is no Shrinking Violet when it comes to wearing bright colors. She was a stand-out in bright lime, accented with this year’s Pantone Color of the Year Ultra Violet. The Queen was not the only one in green, though. Pippa Middleton and the bride’s mother, Doria Ragland, appeared in cooler minty green ensembles.
According to Leatrice Eiseman, Director of Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training and Executive Director of the Pantone® Color Institute®, yellow-green hues are “not going away”. Green was seen at ICFF in many forms, including lime green, yellow green, mint green & chartreuse.
Yellow
A somewhat surprising and controversial rising color trend is a deep marigold hue referred to as “Gen Z Yellow”. Generation Z follows the Millennial Generation, and represents those who are now ages 3-21. That means not only that Millennials (ages 22-37) are now all solidly in their adult years, but also that Gen Z’s are now entering adulthood. Referred by some as “Millennials on Steroids”, Gen Z’s are already showing signs of being more extreme versions of the Millennial generation. In fashion, yellow is perceived as being tricky to wear depending on one’s skin tone. At the Royal Wedding, Amal Clooney pulled it off flawlessly in a beautifully tailored outfit. Kate, Duchess of York, chose a pastel yellow for her ensemble.
At ICFF, yellow made subtle appearances. Note the fresh use of soft yellow and green combined with gray for baby – a nice gender neutral palette that’s sophisticated yet soothing. Yellow paired with pink is an unusual juxtaposition and bold fusion of two trending colors.
Whether you choose to go bold or gently incorporate these fresh color directions, know that your customers are already seeing them through the media, fashion and retail products. Add them to your shop window displays, website, social media postings and framed samples and let your customers know that you, too are a color trend setter!
