2014 Color of the Year Named Radiant Orchid

by Melissa White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist

News broke today that the fashion world has named Radiant Orchid as Color of the Year for 2014. Fashion-conscious women across the United States are being encouraged to wear this color, not only as a sign of the holiday season, but as a fashion statement. We're not only seeing the color pop up on the celebrity scene, it is already making headway into mainstream fashion and it will be making a huge impact on upcoming fashions for us all very soon.


The good news is it is a truly beautiful gemstone color! The troubling news is that this is sometimes a difficult color for many. While it can sometimes wash out complexions on fair skinned women, mixed in with blonde hair extensions, or used on hair extension tips, it can create a very flattering look. The orchid color can create an exotic look on dark and olive skinned women. Orchid colors actually does look nice on all eye colors, and has long been used as a complimentary eye shadow color. 

As far as clothing fashion, it can be problematic when trying to coordinate with other clothing colors, but will make an outfit "pop" when you get it right. It will undoubtedly be very popular because designers will be putting it out there this season. We're already noting its presence in clothing this winter.

The exact Pantone color selected for this year's award was PANTONE® 18-3224 TPX Radiant Orchid.  

According to Pantone's own site, Radiant Orchid is, "An enchanting harmony of fuchia, purple and pink undertones, inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm."

The perception, and in fact the use of the color purple throughout history has been one of sophistication and royalty. There are several major fashion manufacturers who are using Pantone's newest shade of choice. New beauty collections based on the new color of the year for 2014 are forming now.

And, we're not only seeing the trend in fashion and clothing. It is already beginning to make its mark in interior design and decorating. Unlike last year's color Emerald Green, this year's choice is one that can make a statement in home or office decorating. A pop of Radiant Orchid is sure to elicit attention and drama to any interior.

I like the newest color and think it works great with hair extensions! I know I will have some of my San Antonio clients who want to make a statement and have a strand or two of Radiant Orchid locks added to their regular hair extensions. The Flow Strands offered by Great Lengths will surely rock with Orchid tips!

The continuing trend of using vibrant colors with hair extensions makes this a great offering to kick off 2014. It's bold and it's beautiful. Let me know what you think!

REFERENCES / RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION
Extensions of Yourself - Hair Extensions Generate Buzz with Colorful Controversy
Extensions of Yourself - How to Choose the Right Hair Color
Extensions of Yourself - Flow Strands from Great Lengths Offer Brilliant Transitioning Color

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.