The photo above, for example, shows a menswear forecast which was put out several years ago for the season we are in now, Autumn/Winter 2015‐2016. In this, we see a slightly improbable mix of bright colours contrasting with greys and browns.
So the colour combinations that we see now start life at least two or three years earlier. Colour forecasting companies, yarn manufacturers and fashion designers meet at events such as Pitti Filati in Florence several years before the start of the season and discuss how the mood of fashion is evolving. Are things becoming more upbeat and flashy, or is there a movement towards a calmer pace of life and softer shades?
The feedback and reactions from these trade shows gradually leads to a consensus on colour choices. Sometimes these can be wildly different from previous years, but usually they are just subtle shifts in tone so you can add "this year's colour" to pep up your favourite item from the previous year.
Let's look at grey for example. The photo here shows Pantone #16‐1107 "Aluminum" (or as I would say it, Aluminium ‐ oh what a difference an extra "i" can make!) This was a key colour for the Fall/Winter 2014/2015 season and worked well with one of the major themes for that year, "Masculine Pieces". It was a steel grey shade but with a warm mid‐tone giving it a feeling of restraint and calm. |
Textile manufacturers, yarn companies and fashion designers draw on these colour influences for their inspiration as they plan ahead. Then over the next few months, 6 or 8 "themes" start to consolidate for each season. Shortly afterwards, we start to see magazine photos and catwalk shows for the coming season, and the local yarn stores have similar colours so you can make matching items. Magic! |
Until then ‐ Happy Knitting!
Moira
Last blogpost: Knitting pattern stores Next Up: Druidstone Socks Our book: Reversible Knitting Stitches My Website: www.wyndlestrawdesigns.com |
colour forecasting, color, Pantone, grey, gray,