Pantone Palette

Each season, Pantone surveys the designers of New York Fashion Week to identify the most directional colors. While we understand that it is probably much too early to be thinking about spring (the leaves have barely fallen off the trees and we are just beginning to wear comfy sweaters), we couldn’t resist exploring Pantone’s new Fashion Color Report for spring 2012 – especially because it includes the colors of a few fabulous gems!

In Pantone’s spring ‘12 we instantly associated Tangerine Tango with fire opal, Solar Power with sunny citrine, Bellflower with amethyst, and Sweet Lilac with romantic rose quartz.

To create this color report, Pantone interviewed a handful of designers to reveal their inspiration, favorite colors, and must-have items for spring. In designing our own collages, we looked to the spring/summer ’12 runway looks from these same designers. Bill Blass’ hooded slicker (his must-have for spring) is represented in our citrine collage. In her mini interview, Nanette Lepore expressed her love for both sweet lilac and tangerine tango, as seen in her dress from our rose quartz collage. The amethyst collage features a design by ADAM, while the gown in fire opal is Charlotte Ronson.

“Consumers look to spring for renewed energy, optimism and the promise of a brighter day,” says Leatrice Eiseman executive director of Pantone Color Institute. “They have learned how color can help them alter a mood and provide the vitality and enthusiasm that enables them to experiment with new looks and color combinations.”

What colors make you happy? What is your favorite colored gemstone?

Runway images via style.com. Color swatch images via Pantone.com