Emerald is Pantone's Color of the Year for 2013

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 12/6/2012 3:35:48 PM

CARLSTADT, N.J. -- Pantone announced today that PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald, "a lively, radiant, lush green," is its Color of the Year for 2013.

According to a Pantone press release, "The 2012 Color of the Year, PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango, a spirited, reddish orange, provided the energy boost we needed to recharge and move forward. Emerald, a vivid, verdant green, enhances our sense of well-being further by inspiring insight, as well as promoting balance and harmony."

"Green is the most abundant hue in nature - the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. "As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today's complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors."

The prevalence of green has been steadily rising for several seasons, especially in the fashion and couture markets, the release states. Fashion designers featured in the Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2013, including Tracy Reese, Nanette Lepore, Barbara Tfank, NAHM and Marimekko, are incorporating Emerald into their spring collections.

For home décor, Pantone suggests "rejuvenating the interior with Emerald paint, accents and accessories. This jewel-like hue will create a luxurious feel in an entryway, powder room, dining room or study, and bring life to a living room as an accent wall. Add a splash of color to the kitchen and dining room areas with Emerald dinnerware, stemware and appliances."

Pantone bedding, pillows, bath towels and accessories in Emerald will be available exclusively at JC Penney stores and on jcp.com beginning Feb. 1, 2013.

"As we re-energize our home department next spring, we are excited to partner with the leading authority on color to introduce the first-ever line of Pantone bedding and bath products," said Paul Rutenis, JC Penney general merchandise manager for home. "The cheerful array of on-trend pieces will make it easy for customers to infuse the perfect color into any home décor."

PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald can also be cross-referenced to all other Pantone Libraries including Pantone Plus for graphic design. For cross-referencing information, see www.pantone.com/COY2013.

To arrive at the annual selection, Pantone looks for color influences in the entertainment industry and films that are in production, traveling art collections, new artists, popular travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from technology, availability of new textures and effects that impact color, and even upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention.

For more than a decade, Pantone's Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design. Past colors include:

• PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012)
• PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)
• PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)
• PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa (2009)
• PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008)
• PANTONE 19-1557 Chili Pepper (2007)
• PANTONE 13-1106 Sand Dollar (2006)
• PANTONE 15-5217 Blue Turquoise (2005)
• PANTONE 17-1456 Tigerlily (2004)
• PANTONE 14-4811 Aqua Sky (2003)
• PANTONE 19-1664 True Red (2002)
• PANTONE 17-2031 Fuchsia Rose (2001)
• PANTONE 15-4020 Cerulean (2000)