It’s challenging to reinvigorate classic color palettes, but even more difficult to abandon reliable, essential colors. For brands debuting collections at Fashion Week, a few key color trends help merge the classical with the unorthodox.
In its New York Fashion Week Autumn/Winter Color 19-20 Trend Report, Pantone named 12 standout colors that will act as hallmarks of the runway this season, as well as four classic tones set to anchor designers’ new collections.
The shades shed all notions of delicacy in favor of a rich, full-bodied palette that invokes both tradition and a thirst for innovation.
“Colors for Autumn/Winter 2019-2020 range from easy and sophisticated to strikingly different and unique,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, on the company’s website. “This palette of versatile hues builds a sense of empowerment and confidence, enabling the wearer to choose the colors that best reflect his or her mood and persona.”
Fruit Dove, a friendly, standout pink, and Orange Tiger, a “fearless” persimmon, bring botanical inspirations to mind. Two brown tones, the earthy Rocky Road and the mid-toned Sugar Almond, are dynamic as base colors. The milky Creme de Peche is similarly warm.
The season’s cooler shades are thoughtful. Galaxy Blue, as its name indicates, suggests a broad horizon, while Bluestone, a grey-blue, and Eden, a “stately forest green,” are more tranquil. A spectrum of oranges and reds, like Peach Pink and Biking Red, are clever updates to autumnal and winter holiday colors.
The four neutral shades that ground the collection are vivid in their own right, but still ripe for pairing. Vanilla Custard and Paloma are soft, foundational neutrals, while crisp Guacamole and opulent Evening Blue liven up the other colors in the palette.
A collection of images that reflect the palette are available in the Adobe Stock x Pantone color trend gallery.
