Last Tuesday, SCAD was joined by world-renowned color catalyst Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute in Carlstadt, New Jersey.
Eiseman, a seasoned professional in the art of trend forecasting, orders a breakdown of aesthetic categories according to their stylistic components. Upcoming months will predictably feature neutral tones, burnt yellows and gold filigree accents, including almost anything worn by Boy George.
Following the announcement of Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year, an abundance of ‘Classic Blue’ garments will likely set foot on many of NYFW’s esteemed runways. Balenciaga, Eckhaus Latta and Marni set the tone, enforcing the hue as a staple in their S/S 2020 collections last fall.
When choosing our color of the year, we turn to children’s movies, broadway musicals, floral trends and seasonal runway looks from sources around the world.”
In other words, Pantone’s elected choice of color will never be “out of the blue.”
Eiseman’s up-and-coming stylistic predictions also include metallics, lots of blue and vintage throwbacks, because naturally, “retro is here to stay.”
Gucci’s F/W 2020-2021 marks the first major show of the decade, radiating a ‘60s aura with t-bar loafers, cat-eye sunnies and that classic coalition of teal and burnt orange. The concept of Alessandro Michele’s show challenges the stereotypical stain of toxic masculinity, pairing with Eiseman’s valued concept of the color pink. “We (at Pantone) have been seeing a lot of pink consistently through previous years. It has become prevalent in abolishing the idea that pink is dominantly for women.”
For decades, Eiseman and her team have been setting the standard for color application across the design industry. This look through Pantone’s crystal ball provides your exclusive insight on the official trend forecast of 2020.
Words by Anna Vescovi
Graphic by Kat Sours