Colour Trends 2012

BySavitha Hira

Image Courtesy: Akzo Nobel

Radiatingwarmth and cheer, exhilaration and excitement, as much dynamism as a touch ofwhimsy... tones of ‘red’ and ‘burnt orange’ set the cue for 2012 – promising ayear of individuality and self-belief; opening up a world of possibilities thatmight just augment innovative breakthroughs and inspire industry crossovers...   

Everyyear, we have the experts forecast colour trends that then take over our sensesplaying with seasonal sessions across product ranges, be it fashion, interiordecor, consumer goods and the like. Colours that emanate from the fabric of ourbeing – our attitudes, our learning quotients, perceptions, awareness,preferences, moods and our underlying confidence – are chiselled intoacceptable moulds of reasoning, tying up the polarised ends of our immediateenvironments with world views. 

Abstract Paintingby Anand Mali

Aninteresting conversation with trend and colour analyst Latika Khosla revealsthat the thematic of year 2012 is “Possibilities”, while the personality traitthat is distinctly associated with it is “Individuality”. Latika reiterates theforecasts of leading research and trend organizations Pantone, Akzo Nobel andthe National Colour System (NCS), informing us that the colours for 2012 aretones of Red and Burnt Orange. These hues extend from one end of the spectrum,being ‘corally’, glassy and soft-toned, dominated as they are by feminity,beauty and innate subtlety, and can be combined easily with softer colours assignificant accentuating elements; to the other end of the spectrum, where theycould be glossy and team up to effect stark and strident moods.

Image Source:i-watchestime.com

ImageSource: jewellerynfashion.com

Theoptimistic, vivacious and full-of-life reds and oranges are easily paired andhold the key to one’s personal expressions. The tonal inflictions can be playedwith as smoothly against stark white, or a pale lime green or black or even atantalising deep mauve, picking up nuances from the entire spectrum and highlightingthe accents as per personal choice. Enhanced masculine combinations can bandtogether red and burnt orange with soft browns, charcoal grays, and deep khaki…basically great colours for anything.

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“It also encourages us to combinematerials and colours in very new, unexpected and satisfyingways. Both, from the actual world around us and from what is in ourimagination, whimsical and dynamic red undertones along with its earthy paletterange can be used in smaller dozes as well as larger proportions,” informsLatika.

Model in Anupama Dayal Outfit atIndia Resort Fashion Week 2011

Working with the personality traits and inherent characteristics thatshape attitudes and effect lifestyles, Latika explains that the focus is on adominant ‘comfort factor’ that prevails in almost every action and lifestyle ofan individual. Consequently, the onus of being oneself is as much on ‘well-informeddecision-making’ as it is on being a part of a larger peoples group, yetstanding out in the same circle. This then substantiates one’s preferences thatgo beyond accepting a trend as is; and instead, adding on to it to make apersonal statement viz., adding on a stylish sash or a hair-piece to an ‘in’outfit or arranging a set of old pots and pans together with some freshseasonal flowers for an impromptu fashionable art installation during a party…

Image Courtesy:Akzo Nobel

Image Courtesy:Akzo Nobel

Incidentally, the generic belief thatfashion inspires other design disciplines is vetoed by Latika. She feels thatfashion is actually pulling crossovers and taking inspiration from automotives,from cell phone designs, massive cues from interior design, where the emphasisis on play of materials and products and the like.

Sushmita Sen, Shantanu & Nikhil at India Resort Fashion Week2011

Model in James Ferreira Outfit atIndia Resort Fashion Week 2011

And what is the mainstay of our colours for 2012? Is it texture, material,pattern or hue? “A refined tactile quality,” responds Latika. “With mattwinning over glossy in the current scenario, a new luxury will evolve that willbe artistically combined with elegance to effect understated style rather thanin-the-face bling. The finish will dominate in tune with urbaneness and the huewill slide on the gradient - from buoyancy to restraint – but alwaysindividualistic. 

Models in FelixBendish showcase at India Resort Fashion Week 2011