2003 Consumer Color Directions

BLUES DOMINATE 2003 CONSUMER COLOR DIRECTIONS
Special color effects and technology reign supreme as primary influences on color. Metal colorations add new direction. The newness of liquid Silver and its techno influence when married to Gold or to White is equally important to the shimmering elegance of golden tones and the opulent impact of Silver. The search for the perfect Blue yields four perfect directions for blues. Whether safe and grounded, watery or atmospheric, Forecast Blues invigorate and enliven consumer products while providing steadfast assurance and stability during cloudy economic times. This is what will influence color in Consumer industries for 2003, according to Color Marketing Group (www.colormarketing.org) – the international, not-for profit association of more than 1,700 Color and Design professionals who identify and forecast color trends for all products and industries.

 Workshop participants agreed that the ailing economy is the primary influence on the 2003 Consumer Color Directions Palette. “We have experienced new found energy using full chroma hues that can lift our spirits and provoke our senses. With a rebel yell, we protest a total shift to ‘establishment colors’,” said Barbara Lazarow, CMG, Co-Chairman, Consumer Color Direction Committee, Blonder Wall Coverings, Cleveland, OH USA. ”For color we look to the prosperous times of the 20’s and 60’s and to the glamour of the 30’s and 40’s. Automobiles sport “Gatsby” colors in glittering Golds and pearlescent Whites as well as silver-tinted Whites and Taupes. These colors translate well into luxury fashion as the Fashion Workshop discussed rich velvets, shimmery satins and vintage Valentino.”

 According to Color Marketing Group, these Consumer Color Directions are being impacted by the following emerging trends: “Commercialized” nature colors will dominate new product and the desire for natural bright on Action/Recreation products. The influence of energy-boosting, saturated chromatics from the 60’s on color for these products will be evident by 2003. A more energized dusty rose form of Mauve will return as well as Violet. Fashion forecasts two Blues for 2003, one a turquoise and the other is “Deep Artic” which appears on CMG’s 2003 Consumer Color Directions Palette.

Technology will continue to open doors to new colors and to special color effects, which allow old colors to look new. “Silger”, a Gold/Silver special effect is a strong Forecast Direction for Fashion and appears on CMG’s 2003 Consumer Colors Directions Palette.

• Currant: Brown veils Violet with sophistication.

• Pinkle: Non-gender specific, this aged Pink depicts vintage velvets and Victorian rose gardens.

• Sweetheart: Romance of the 40’s moves vintage Red to the Blue side. Lighter values translate to fashionable Pinks.

• Cheeky: Recalls the blushing bride of the glamorous Art Deco era. Cosmetic based, it celebrates the marriage of Pink and Peach.

• Red Satin: Future vehicles sport a revved-up Red. Old World opulence enhances this conservative communicator.

• Iron Ore-ange: The influence of copper on Orange creates a sophisticated and mature background with ethnic undertones.

• Lemon Meringue: Silver flirts with Gold in this zesty confection reminiscent of the Great Gatsby and vintage roadsters.

• Shimma: A shimmer, a shake, a little golden flake, this pearlized metallic adds new sophistication for corporate communicators.

• Lion King: Regal Gold crowns the king of the jungle and recalls Moroccan markets.

• Exploring Khaki: Borrowed from the animal kingdom, this safari Green recalls rain forest moss and buried treasure.

• Frond: Natural chroma takes a commercial turn in this tropical Green.

• Soda Green: Effervescent, this soothing Green quenches our thirst for serenity and illuminates from within.

• Cinder Blue: Silver sideswipes this mechanical Blue driving it into the cool Grays.

• Blue Aire: Technology melts retro Blue in this freshened breeze from the 60’s classic cars.

• Deep Arctic: Seriously conservative, this dusty navy anchors our spirit in a safe harbor.

• Ocean Cruise:Tropical waters purify and energize Blues while technology adds a sporty edge.

• Root Beer: Copper-based, this rich Brown pops.

• Champagne Bubble: Celebrates the marriage of Silver to Gold with Art Deco glamour.

• Newtral: Bisque ware, unglazed ceramics and raw plaster inspire this softened matte gray that offers a lower contrast alternative to dark and white combinations.

• Gargoyle: Burnished Gold, Pewter and Silver fuse to form this complex alloy.

• Silger: Technology’s influence on Fashion, Silger is a Gold overlay over Silver. It functions as a warm “newtral” as background or foreground to prints and can stand alone.