Nothing says bright is beautiful better than Pantone’s new colour for 2014.
Every December, the colour specialist announces its Colour of the Year. This year it was Emerald Green and in 2012 it was Tangerine Tango. This time it’s Radiant Orchid.
The pigment is something between a bold fuchsia and deep purple – almost identical in colour to the flower.
The build-up of attention towards Radiant Orchid began in February 2012 by Raf Simons, the former creative director at Jil Sander, who is now with Christian Dior.
Simons hinted at the shade in his final autumn/winter 2012 collection for Jil Sander, with touches on sleeves, in the lining of oversized coats and even in the lipstick. Sander was reported saying backstage: “It’s strong, but delicate at the same time.”
By the time Simons moved to Christian Dior, he was infusing the rich colour even more into his design palette and a year later the rest of the fashion pack caught on with designers such as Chanel, Gucci, Temperley and Preen joining the Radiant Orchid brigade.
Regional designers have also incorporated Pantone’s new shade into their collections. The Dubai-based Madiyah Al Sharqi, whose collection stood out at Fashion Forward, mixed the pigment with yellows and oranges for a truly refreshing spring collection. Al Sharqi chose a brighter, more neon shade of Radiant Orchid juxtaposed with crisp white panelling.
The Sharjah-based Essa Bhagoorwala of Essa designed ruffled, tiered dresses and coats using the same shade, but added a new element by using an unusual fabric similar to neoprene to create the illusion of volume.
On a budget but still want Radiant Orchid in your wardrobe? Try Topshop for androgynous-looking outerwear, Zara for silky, draped blouses and Illamasqua for the perfect nail varnish in Jo’mina. We’re huge fans of MAC’s Up the Amp lipstick, which looks great with just the tiniest bit of pink blush and mascara.
We predict Radiant Orchid will soon trickle its way into our homes and lifestyles, too.
neldasher@thenational.ae
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