The Pantone colour of the year 2014 is called the Radiant Orchid. To understand better the background story where this colour trend comes from I listened a webinar from Pantone.
Already the choice has divided strongly the opinion so I was intrigued to hear what they had to say. Personally I think it is surprisingly girly choice, because of the direction towards more fuschia and pink and not the darker, purple tones. So maybe we should take this as a hint of steadily growing and increasing female influence in business. However, this was not mentioned at the Pantone’s presentation.
They referred firstly to the well known history of purple colour as mystical, enigmatic and spiritual source. One of the main points that came across the presentation was the artistic and creativity links to purple. Pink hues gives it an immediate link to the fashion world. They describe the colour to be charming and imaginative. It is very important that it is also a global colour.
Perhaps the most interesting reference point was to lighting design and the increasing use of colour in lighting, especially outdoor, facades and installations. The hue of Radiant Orchid is actually very close to LED purple light. James Turrell‘s exhibition at the Guggenheim gallery in New York was mentioned.
Several concept cars were also named: Ford Mustang, Renault and Rolls Royce. Another interesting fact was linking purple to the high tech industry. Many IT companies have purple as part of the logo or company colours.
Another not so obvious reference was 60’s psychedelia and 80’s Miami Vice.
All in all according to Pantone the colour of the year send a message of confidence, joy and innovation – creativity and originality.
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