Fantasies and Realities:
What’s Behind Those Color Choices
By Joanne Friedrick
Now in its 12th year, the Pantone color seminar at the International
Home + Housewares Show conducted by Leatrice Eiseman attracts those
looking for insight into the latest color combinations, and also provides
some valuable context on what is driving these color trends.
The title of this year’s presentation, Fantasies and Realities, hinted at
the vibrant, sometimes humorous, influences behind the colors that
coincide with the more familiar and comfortable. On the fantasy side,
Eiseman pointed to singer/performer Lady Gaga as an influence, whom
she referred to as “the poster child for whackadoodle.”
Gaga’s look isn’t being adopted wholesale, but rather, said Eiseman, “it’s
fun to look at what is outrageous and how it trickles down to everyday.”
One of her color categories, called Out of the Ordinary, highlights the
odd and obtuse through shades such as Bonnie Blue, Pureed Pumpkin,
Bright Violet and Linden Green. It’s the combination of these colors that
make them attention-grabbing, but they can also stand on their own.
The realities side is found in the continuing search for things that are
familiar, even nostalgic, but with a hint of newness. Eiseman referenced
Homer Laughlin China Co.’s Fiestaware as an example of how a classic
design stays fresh by introducing new colors each year, such as this
season’s Flamingo, a muted shade of dusty pink. 43
