Is it a Coincidence? The Power of Pantone’s Color of the Year
Do you ever feel like you have a knack for predicting the future? Me, too!
As long as I can remember, I’ve been struck by flashes of inspiration. Or maybe it’s just that I do a lot of wishful thinking. Either way, I’m not one to chalk things up to coincidence. Whether it’s being in touch with our intuition, the power of prayer or even the self-fulfilling prophecy of positive thinking – I believe it’s possible to envision what you want – and then make it happen.
THE COLOR INSTITUTE
One of the best examples in my recent past is late last year when Pantone, Inc. announced their selection for Color of the Year.
If you’re a designer – fashion, graphic, web, interior – or any other creative professional, you’ve likely worked with Pantones Colors. In fact, now that programs like Adobe Photoshop are so prevalent and accessible, more people than ever are familiar with Pantone.
In 1963, Lawrence Herbert, Pantone’s founder, developed an innovative system of identifying and matching colors to solve the problems associated with producing accurate color matches in the graphic arts community.
For more than 45 years, Pantone’s Color Institute has been the world-renowned authority on color.
Have you ever wondered why when you walk into a store and see new seasonal merchandise, it all coordinates so well? Is it a conspiracy? Do designers really dictate trends in color?
TREND FORECASTS
Designers do play a key role in determining color trends, and the Color Institute relies on this input.
The semiannual Pantone fashion color report surveys top designers. The Pantone team takes the information and utilizes that as a collection for their Trend Forecasts for the coming season.
Hot up and coming colors: Pink Champagne, Chocolate Truffle, Lagoon, Red Lipstick and Oyster Gray.
But the one I love the most? Pantone’s 2010 Color of the Year: TURQUOISE!
Carolyn Kelly, from The Magazine Antiques writes, “Turquoise has been one of the most sought after colors in decorative arts history starting with the turquoise ground, called bleu céleste, developed in 1753 for Louis XV at the porcelain factory at Vincennes.”
Let’s start with one of my favorite kitchens ever. Created by architectural designer Peter Napolitano and interior designer Thomas Britt, this photo, featured in Architectural Digest and first spotted on a blog I adore – House of Turquoise – serves as a constant source of inspiration.
In fact, if you’ve ever visited the Sugarluxe Studio, you’d think HGTV Designer, Judith Balis, channeled my space when she created this beautiful room below. From the hot pink chairs and zebra print pillows, to the glossy black accents and turquoise walls, I love her balance of traditional furnishings with a totally modern flair made possible by the smart use of color. (photo via HGTV Designer Portfolios)
Here’s another gorgeous room that pays homage to the Sugarluxe Life. Interior Designer, Debbie Sheaf made perfect use of my fav color combo (photo via Southern Hospitality Blog)
Click below on examples from the Sugarluxe Gallery and you’ll see that I’ve been predicting the need for these upbeat, vibrant colors for years.
Pantone says they represent a psychological shift toward the need for optimism and hope. I say – EXACTLY!
Oh, how I just LOVE color!
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
Speaking of love, fashion mavens and modern designers aren’t the only ones coveting my favorite color this year.
Brides to Be are filling our inbox with orders for mirror compacts and keyrings that feature even the faintest hint of turquoise. These items have always been great gifts for bridesmaids, but now it seems big orders for bridal parties are coming in like never before.
We are even adding more designs to our SMART Cufflinks Collection because the demand is growing. Even the grooms want in on the action.
I think that speaks to the global reach and impact of Pantone Colors which now permeate every industry.
For even more inspiration, be sure to check out some of my favorite blissful blogs:
It’s a Jaime Thing | Cocktails & Details | The Wedding Chicks | Wedding Paper Divas
In addition to my personal preference, the psychology of this color helps to explain its inherently optimistic nature.
IT’S TIME FOR TURQUOISE
Color can help to build confidence.
Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, adds that by combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of well-being…
She explains that whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors.
With both warm and cool undertones, it pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum.
THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT
I also believe that Turquoise is a color of compassion and inner healing. It relates to our ability to love ourselves, as well as others. That’s why, even before it became trendy, Turquoise has always played a dominant role in my art.
I feel so blessed that I get to do what I do. This week, we celebrated our Anniversary at Sugarluxe. Here’s to 5 FABULOUS YEARS of trying my BEST to make the world a brighter place…
Win Weekly Giveaway #2 – SMART Collection Designer Art Cufflinks
February 9, 2009 by Chandra Michaels
Filed under Art, Business, Design
Win something for your sweetie or yourself for Valentine’s Day! This week, in celebration of our 4 Year Anniversary – Sugarluxe is GIVING AWAY three, no wait, I’m feeling REALLY GENEROUS – let’s do four pairs of our designer art cufflinks. 4 Pairs for 4 Years.
In fact, if you’ve been to the Sugarluxe site recently, you’ll notice that two of the designs offered on the contest this week are NOT yet available for purchase. So, you might be the very FIRST to sport our newest cufflinks.
All four winners selected will get one pair of Sugarluxe Cufflinks of their choice. (Please see the image on this post for the choices available). Offered are the two best selling pairs…and two not yet released pairs.
You get to pick whichever you like best.
It took quite a bit of time to design the perfect frame for these tiny little pieces of art. More importantly, and true to the brand, we work very hard to develop unique gift items that showcase our commitment to top quality craftsmanship with surprising affordability. No easy feat in these trying economic times.
Cufflinks are perfect for that someone who seems to have everything…
I know there won’t be enough time to get these out to the winners before Valentine’s Day. But to help, I’m going to change it up just a bit. This week, the contest will end on Friday the 13th at midnight. The winners will be announced and posted here on Valentine’s Day.
As a way of thanking our super awesome friends…I thought I would do a weekly contest and give away some unique goodies that you can’t get anywhere else. No purchase is necessary to win. And if you have any questions about HOW TO ENTER – be sure to check out the official rules.
The cufflink artwork is created using our proprietary pro-formulated soft luster pigments and then carefully fired into a thick and durable glass-composite onto the base of a polished silver rhodium finish.
Your SMART cufflinks are presented in our custom black cufflink box with velvet lining and padded flip-top made specifically for displaying these tiny works of art. Retail Value is $39 USD.
Find out who the WINNERS were of last week’s FREEBIES.
——————————————————– WINNER’S ANNOUNCED ——————————————————–
UPDATE February 14, 2009:
Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone!
Because I hope you are off enjoying your weekend and not working online like me (plus I need to take a little time out today, too) – I thought I would make this week’s selection of winners as easy as possible.
This week’s contest winners, often like in life, are FIRST COME – FIRST SERVED. If you were one of the first four to respond, you WIN!
And with that – here are the winners of the SMART Collection Designer Cufflinks:
- Juli A. – Greenville, TX
- Shannon C. – Barrie, ON Canada
- Stean P. – Dallas, TX
- Chic Gal (Beth A.) – Tulsa, OK
Please use our Contact Form to send us your cufflink design selection and shipping information!
- Love You Cufflinks (black and white floral)
- Cocktail Cufflinks (blue martini)
- Celebrity Pin-Up Cufflinks (sexy blonde)
- Rock Candy Cufflinks (guitar girl)
Please allow time for the production of your new cufflinks – as they are made to order.
Thanks so much to everyone who participated. I hope you’ll check back on Monday to see the NEW PRIZES for next week’s GIVEAWAYS. More winners to come…
Stand Out in a Crowd: Being Unique like Cool Designer Cufflinks
Don’t you love cool little cufflinks? I think they’re totally sexy and for something so small, they sure can make a big statement. Huge compliments to avid cufflink collectors. I really like accessories that provide a little insight into an individual’s personality.
Cufflinks do that.
So, I’ve been trying my hand at making cufflinks for almost a year and a half. In fact, I have cufflink prototypes (hundreds of pairs) strewn about the studio and stashed in drawers. Part of the fun for my friends to come into the studio is trying to get a sneak peek at the multiple experiments I have going on at any given time…
In today’s world of manufacturing and overseas sourcing, it’s rare that a company will manufacturer and sell their own products. It’s cost prohibitive and for the most part, I don’t know if people even care anymore about where something is made.
But I do.
I find satisfaction in doing both manufacturing and distribution. I can have control over quality and I get the opportunity to connect directly to customers. I think that’s the best of both worlds. But maybe that’s just me.
I enjoy taking ideas and turning them into something tangible. I like developing the prototypes, working with so many materials, and figuring out how to perfect a process. Art to me is more than painting or illustrating…it’s about creating something out of nothing.
But guess what?
