How to Wear Radiant Orchid, the Color of the Year

If you're wondering why you saw Emerald Green everywhere last year, you can thank the folks over at Pantone for that. They were also the ones who called 2012 The Year of Tangerine Tango and 2011 The Year of Honeysuckle. So, who exactly is Pantone and why do they get to choose the Color of the Year? Pantone is, in fact, a subsidiary of X-Rite Incorporated, a world-renowned authority on color. They are the company responsible for forecasting which shade will be the one trending throughout the design industries from fashion to home products. If you watch any fashion shows (New York, London etc.) , it isn't a coincidence that the designers often show the same color. That's because Pantone searched the world for influences and they concluded that in 2014 the world would be passionate about Radiant Orchid AKA 18-3224. Did you know that every single color has its own numerical reference? Tiffany Blue, for example, is Pantone number 1837 -- in honor of the year Tiffany & Co. was founded. Why Radiant Orchid? Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute® says “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." "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."

Here at Thomas Dean, we like that healthy glow. Whether you're on the early morning train to the city or escorting your daughter to her first Father-Daughter dance, we get that you want to look and feel good. Radiant Orchid is just the thing to help you get that glow. To get you started, try this crisp shirt from our new Spring Collection. Shades of purple (violet, orchid and fuchsia) look great when paired with a navy blazer and khakis with a cool shade (think more of a pale gray than dark tan).

Do you have a style question? Email us at tj@thomasdeanco.com