Have you noticed between rails of sale goods the first trickle of the new autumn stock? At least 2 years ago trend forecasters will have provided designers and retailers with the research and ‘trend intelligence’ that have influenced what we currently see on the clothes rails.

Observations of cultural and social developments and socio-economic changes influence the future choices of the style, colours, shapes and textures that we are wearing today.  Autumn/Winter 2010/11 trend/colour palettes fall broadly in to three categories given similar themed names by forecasters that for the most part will be repeated for 2011/12 trends too. Below is a snapshot of the upcoming trends with a my take on each of the colour palettes, what moods or feelings they evoke and what type of personality would suit the trends.

image thanks to www.millionlooks.com

A/W 2010-11 Tribe/Origins/Primal: These earthy, warm, yellow based, muted, intense, fiery shades communicate qualities of passion, friendship/kinship, environmental concern, culture, spiritual and values. The ‘native’ styling trend influences the fabrics, textures and detail. In 2011-12 the ‘natural’ print theme becomes more ‘camouflage’ and animal inspired! The look is relaxed, natural and comfortable and quite suited to the autumn-linked personality.

A/W 2010-11 Order/Cleanse/innovate: These clear, blue based, strong contrasting saturated colours or icy tints are ‘forward thinking’ and communicate technology, science and the avante-garde. Luxurious fabrics, almost futuristic, structured and sculpted design lends itself to the drama of the winter personality.

A/W 2010-11 Escape/synergy: These cool, blue based, greyish, muted soft tones communicate harmony, simplicity, escapism, balance, elegance, aspiration and quality. Dream-like, these soft, fluid shapes and the exquisite detailing lend themselves to the summer personality beautifully.

With thanks to www.mudpie.co.uk for trend information.

New! Autumn course dates – click the links or contact us for further details

The study of colour psychology is a fascinating subject and whether for personal development or to add an in depth understanding of the subject to add another dimension to your professional skills, in:colour offer a variety of courses and workshops to suit you.

Workshops – coming up

The power of colour psychology – an introductory 2 day workshop in to the world of colour psychology

Colour your business – 1 day workshop on how to use colour effectively in your branding and business communications

The secrets of colour - this 1 day workshop for stylists and fashion professionals adds depth and understanding to your knowledge of colour, which will enhance your client consultations

Autumn courses

Personal colour psychology consultant - become a personal and lifestyle colour psychology consultant

Colour psychology for interior design – discover how to use colour psychology to improve your clients environment

Colour psychology for design and communication - use the language and power of colour psychology to improve your marketing communications

Pantone swatches

Pantone have launched their Fashion colour report for autumn 2010.  Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute® describes the palette as an“innovative take on fundamental basics, as well as transporting, lively colours that conjure images of travel and adventure, whether real or aspirational.”

Several leading American designers describe their inspiration for the selected colours that we’ll be seeing in fashion retail later in the year.  I thought I would take a look at the colour chips described and offer my own thoughts on how I think these colours work together.

Oyster Gray and Rose Dust have the ethereal qualities of the attractive and harmonious cool, muted summer palette. The addition of Purple Orchid brings the palette to life adding excitement and depth. These colours are indeed ‘aspirational’ alluding to quality, elegance and timelessness. Soft and light like a summery breeze they are suited to flowing, diaphanous fabrics, cashmere wools and silks.

Endive, Golden Glow, Living Coral, Lipstick Red, Chocolate Truffle, Lagoon, Woodbine and Lagoon appear more rich and muted. Fiery and intense these flavorsome earthy autumn shades are more ‘adventurous’ and work well together in a palette suiting perhaps textured, substantial and sumptuous fabrics. The Chocolate Truffle (yummy!) is an excellent wearable choice instead of black; it has the depth and gravitas but yet is warmer and more approachable. Piquant Lipstick Red and Golden Glow add spice and energy to the collection. Endive and Living Coral are both slightly ‘livelier’ colours adding a little sparkle to the group, whilst Lagoon adds a touch of calm to the collection.

I’m encouraged by the way the reports’ designers think about and view colour and as a colourist fully embrace the message of how colour can make you feel. I would be interested to hear your own views and comments too.

“My new fashion colours rule: Try it you might like it. In the last few years there’s been such an influx of colour in fashion, including the new neutrals which range from the iciest pinks to the lightest lavenders. Faced with all these choices, women may revert to black, but I urge them to give colour a try”.

Constance White – ebay Style Director

“It’s never been more important to show who you are and what you believe in and there’s not a more subtle way of doing that than with colour”

Collier Strong Celebrity Make-up Artist

“You’ll be amazed at what a splash of colour can do to both your’look’ and your ‘outlook’”

Cate Adair Costume Designer – Desperate Housewives

Personal colour psychology – find out for yourself how the colours that you wear have an effect on how you feel http://www.incolourconsultancy.com/personal_colour.htm

View the Pantone Fashion Colour Report here:
http://www.pantone.co.uk/downloads/articles/pdfs/PANTONE_Fashion_Color_Report_Fall_2010.pdf