It may be single digits outside, but I am radiating for the “2014 PANTONE® Color of the Year – the captivating, magical, enigmatic purple called Radiant Orchid.” I knew this was going to be a good year and now Pantone, the color geniuses of the world, have selected a color that is my absolute favorite as the color of the year for 2014.
Note that when I had my astrology reading several years back during my visit to the Miraval Spa, the astrologist did say that I am a trendsetter. I have found my calling during my life after 50. Yes, yes, yes.
Photo Credit: Pantone
“Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society. An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”
Thank you Leatrice, now I know why I am captivated by this color. I can’t wait until Spring 2014 to see all the fashions, beauty products and home accessories in my favorite shade of all shades. My closet will be brimming with Radiant Orchid clothes, my lips and nails will be painted with Radiant Orchid, and my home office is waiting for a Radiant Orchid makeover.
What should boomer girls be keeping their eye on this spring and throughout 2014 to be on trend? Here’s the scoop from Pantone:
Radiant Orchid for Fashion
Radiant Orchid’s rosy undertones radiate on the skin, producing a healthy glow when worn by both men and women. A dazzling attention-getter, Radiant Orchid permeated the runways during the spring 2014 fashion shows and is already making its way onto the red carpet. Fashion designers featured in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2014, including Emerson by Jackie Fraser-Swan, Juicy Couture and Yoana Baraschi, are incorporating Radiant Orchid into their spring collections and variations of this hue will carry into men’s and women’s clothing and accessories throughout 2014. (If you are a fashionista like me, be sure to read through the Fashion Color Report before you go shopping for spring clothes. It will inspire you.)
Radiant Orchid for Beauty
A modern and surprisingly versatile shade, Radiant Orchid enlivens the skin, making all who wear it feel more healthy and energetic. Blending both cool and warm undertones, purple is an appealing hue for distinctive combinations and flattering to many hair, eye and skin tones.
This multifaceted hue is seductive when combined with red and pairs well with its sister shades of lavender, purple and pink, which provides an assortment of lipstick and blush options. Radiant Orchid’s exuberance also acts as a brilliant finishing touch to nails. (I already adore Essie nail polish in deep pink shades of No Boundries and Big Spender. Can’t wait to see what new pinks and purples they premiere in 2014.)
Radiant Orchid for Interiors
Spruce up interior spaces by incorporating this eye-catching hue in paint, accent pieces and accessories. As adaptable as it is beautiful, Radiant Orchid complements olive and deeper hunter greens, and offers a gorgeous combination when paired with turquoise, teal and even light yellows.
Likewise, the vibrant color is sure to liven up neutrals including gray, beige and taupe. Uplifting and bold without being overpowering, Radiant Orchid reenergizes almost any color palette and provides a unifying element for diverse spaces. (Ooh, ooh, ooh, I am SO EXCITED about this color. Teal is one of the colors on my bedroom wall. Now I may have to add Radiant Orchid accents to my bedroom too.)
Go ahead January, February and March. Let the chill stay in the air, I don’t care. No, I don’t care. While the frost bites my body, from my head to my toes, I’ll have Radiant Orchid on my mind when I get winter lows.
To keep my spirits high, I’ll buy a purple orchid to perch on my desk until the ice melts. Flowerfreshonline.com says that “The orchid is a flower of magnificence that brings a universal message of love, beauty, wisdom, and thoughtfulness. Purple Orchids are long lasting flowers and may last up to three weeks if properly cared for.”
What’s that they say, properly cared for? I may just have to buy a new purple orchid each month. When is the first day of spring?
Judi
Back when I owned my day spa in Connecticut, this was the color I used as my focal point to the rooms. My clients loved it and said they always felt calm and recharged when they left. Good choice in color I guess!!
Barb, thanks for sharing your story. Sounds like you are a trendsetter too.