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…

Over the Rainbow: Dreams You Dare to Dream Really Do Come True

Someday I’ll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
A dark cloud has been looming.  Not only did this month mark the anniversary date of my life-altering accident, but fertility continues to elude me, and a few weeks ago, I discovered a dreadful lump.

To read more about my personal scare with Breast Cancer, you can check out this revealing Facebook post – Sugarluxe Loves Boobs.

Since that time, I’ve had surgery and I’m on the mend.  I am so thankful that we were able to detect this sizable mass early enough to eliminate it before it became unruly.  I feel extremely fortunate.

It’s no use screaming at a time like this! No one will hear you… Help! HELP!
But honestly, even the little stuff adds up.  Like when the unique building that housed my big, fabulous studio was condemned this summer and we were given less than two weeks to completely relocate and try to remain operational. Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but unexpected and exhausting.

If you were really great and powerful, you’d keep your promises!
Or the following month, when I realized that the publisher of Rare Magazine, Taylor Perkins, was going to be in willful breach of our contract – essentially stealing money right out of my pocket and making the huge miscalculation that I would sit back and take it.

Little men behind the curtain, bad, mean witches and flying monkeys aside, I try my hardest to stay focused on following my own yellow brick road. 

This is why I love the Wizard of Oz. Like the movie, life itself is an epic journey. And I, like Dorothy, am a dreamer. I believe anything is possible.

Yet, there is no doubt – to overcome your detractors, to survive, to be successful – takes heart, requires brains, and massive amounts of courage.

That’s the beauty of this tale:  You don’t need to be given these traits; you just have to find them within yourself. They’re already there.

—————————————————  70th Anniversary Celebration ————————————————–

And it’s why I so thoroughly enjoyed creating this Sugarluxe interpretation over the last few months.  In the midst of any turmoil, I find refuge in painting a world filled with hope and happy moments.

I’m thrilled to complete and present my piece for the Warner Bros. Anniversary celebration. 2009 marked the 70th Anniversary of this classic movie and as the year draws to a close, I’m excited to unveil my tribute to the wonderful Wizard of Oz.

In fact, over a month ago, while I was still working on the conceptualization of Dorothy and Toto in my signature style, I decided to play a game on Facebook with Sugarluxe Fans.

It was so much fun and Tiffany Bymaster was our big winner.  I’ve since learned more about Tiffany who is an incredible pro-celebrity/movie makeup artist in Los Angeles.  How fitting that she would win the piece dedicated to one of the most beloved movies ever made!

She has also waited patiently to receive the VERY first signed and numbered piece. And now that it’s on the way to her, I finally get to make these giclee artist’s prints available to you, too.

• Title:  Dreamgirl
• Collector’s Edition: Signed, Dated, and Numbered Limited Edition of 70
• Media:  Pigment and Metallic Inks with Watercolor on Archival Museum Grade Fine Art Paper

Can be ordered as ready to frame in black or white mat:
8 ply (very thick) 16 x 20, Beveled Edge, Premium Mat with Acid-Free Mounting Board

If you love the Wizard of Oz like I do, or know someone who does, this vibrant 70th Anniversary Artwork will be sure to please for years to come.  Exclusive to Sugarluxe, you can find out more details at www.sugarluxe.com.

Until next time…I’m off to find some place where there isn’t any trouble. Do you suppose there is such a place?