Pantone Runway
Pantone Runway

Ladies and gentlemen, if you’ve already started shopping for the next year, keep this in mind. Colour giant Pantone has released the colour for the year 2014 and it’s going to be “radiant orchid”. This shade succeeds 2013’s colour which was emerald. So who exactly are these Pantone guys and why do they exert such authority? The company based in New Jersey, America is known for its Pantone Matching System or PMS. Their services are used in a variety of industries ranging from plastics and fabrics to fashion.

The decision is made after a meeting that is held twice a year on a top secret basis in a European city with different representatives from colour standard groups from around the world. After a round of presentations and debates, the colour is chosen.

Pantone colour of the year
Pantone colour of the year

“While the 2013 color of the year served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute in a statement.

The purple shade that has a touch of pink has been spotted on runways such as Marc Jacobs, Max Mara and Missoni.

So snap up an orchid to adorn your hair or paint your bathroom cabinets this shade. Lucky you if you already have this shade in your wardrobe.

Radiant Orchid colour
Radiant Orchid colour

Interestingly, the name of the shade has its origins in the name of the flowers of the vast orchid family (Orchidaceae) that have petals of the same colour.

Are you happy with this choice? How are you going to use this colour in your everyday life? Or were you hoping for another colour to make it as the colour of 2014? Tell us in the comments below.