The Pantone Color Institute released its Fashion Color Trend Report Fall/Winter 2018 edition for the autumn installation of New York Fashion Week.
According to the institute, this fall’s palette includes shades typical of the autumn season but with “some more unexpected shades” sprinkled in, indicative of the continued push for “color that transcends the rules.”
Fashion designers are embracing ingenuity, creativity and individuality through their collections, as demonstrated by the color trends emerging for fall, said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.
“As designers and consumers alike continue to transition away from cyclical trends, and instead focus on self-expressive colors that evade antiquated seasonal structure, we are seeing very notable non-traditional choices, such as PANTONE 12-0740 Limelight and PANTONE 15-3520 Crocus Petal showing up in the fall/winter palette,” she said. Indeed, millennials and Generation Z are marked by their fondness for all things different, one-of-a-kind and unexpected, which is very much in line with Pantone’s color findings.
What’s more, some designers are opting to use unexpected shades together for even greater impact, though Eiseman notes that even used on its own, an unusual shade can grab attention. “More so than in previous seasons, many of these hues are being used to make a very specific statement when used singularly,” said Eiseman. “However, adding an unexpected element allows for the artistry and originality that moves fashion forward.”
[Read more on color trends: Pantone Introduces Ultra Violet as 2018’s Color of the Year]
Fall/Winter 2018 NYFW Color Palette:
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The season is filled with hues that evoke a seasonal walk in the forest, drawing from fallen leaves, birds’ feathers and unexpected pops of color, including:
Red Pear (PANTONE 19-1536), a deep muted red, along with Valiant Poppy (PANTONE 18-1549), a bright crimson pop that Pantone refers to as “brave.”
Nebulas Blue evokes the sky at twilight (PANTONE 18-4048), Ceylon Yellow (PANTONE 15-0850) adds a spicy kick to the palette and Martini Olive (PANTONE 18-0625) is a sophisticate hue that evokes the cocktail staple.
Russet Orange (PANTONE 16-1255) offers earthy notes described as “a forest floor orange.”
Ultra Violet (PANTONE 18-3838) is purple with depth compared to Crocus Petal (PANTONE 15-3520), a soft amethyst shade that evokes spring.
Limelight (PANTONE 12-0740) straddles a poppy shade of yellow and green, while Quetzal Green (PANTONE 18-5025) is a blue-green mix plucked from birds’ feathers.
About the Fall/Winter 2018 Classic Color Palette:
Where four tones typically comprise the classic palette, the color source opted to add a fifth shade this season to provide consumers with more options given the longevity of trends today. With these colors as a base, wearers can build in variety through texture and fabric combinations, Eiseman said.
Sargasso Sea (PANTONE 19-4031 ) is a deep inky blue that grounds the palette.
Tofu (PANTONE 11-4801) offers the not-quite white of the food for which it’s named. Almond Buff (PANTONE 14-1116 ) is a camel-toned neutral.
Quiet Gray (PANTONE 14-4107) is timeless and soft. And Meerkat (PANTONE 16-1438) offers a burnished brown tone.