158) Color Trends

(Photos from refinery29.)

Can someone explain to me how color trends emerge? Every season, without fail, designers somehow come to a consensus of what colors to use in their collections. Certain shades start to repeat themselves on the runway. The fashion press scoops them up, celebrities, fashionistas and bloggers incorporate them into their outfits, mass brands follow suit, and the general public clamors for them.

Assuming designers work independently and don't consult each other on color choice, from where and why do these color selection coincidences arise? While there is an element of artistic whimsy, there is also a deeper socio-cultural-economic reason. And it goes far beyond the idea of "fall colors" - it's a very specific hue that becomes en vogue. For fall 2010, the consensus is that the two biggest color trends are camel and olive (pictured above). There is something so nuanced about a precise shade coming into fashion at a particular time.

The Pantone Color Institute released a Fashion Color Report for Fall 2010, which attempts to decode this season's palette. I'm not entirely sold on their explanation, but appreciate them delving into the matter. You can download the full report here - it's worth a scroll through.