Fall 2009 Color Palette: Painterly Contrasts

Each season, Pantone surveys the designers of New York Fashion Week to identify the 10 most directional colors. For Fall 2009, they were drawn to a diverse painter's palette of subtle contrasts - including patriotic red mixed with royal purple; mustard & purple, earthy siennas and browns with touches of honey; and tone-on-tone greige - yielding a number of unique, cohesive color combinations. "The fall 2009 palette is more unique and thoughtful than the typical autumnal hues of years past," explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. "Designers recognize the desire for fundamental basics that speak to current economic conditions, but also understand the need to incorporate vibrant color to grab the consumers' eyes and entice them to buy.”

AMERICAN BEAUTY a balanced, true red that flatters all skin tones and "speaks to the need for cohesiveness" in these uncertain, patriotic times

PURPLE HEART connotes refinement, sensuality & creativity

HONEY YELLOW golden-toned extension of the color of the year, PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa

IRON neither gray nor brown, this latest "new black" coordinates well with the other colors in the palette and makes traditional basics that much more interesting

BURNT SIENNA deepened, earthy shade of orange, reminiscent of an autumn sunset & a seasonal favorite

NOMAD grayed-down beige which addresses the need for timeless neutrals

RAPTURE ROSE a nurturing, feminine pink that is soft, yet at the same time, as vibrant as fuschia (look for it especially in cosmetics)

WARM OLIVE the same rich yellow-green as an olive in a martini, which is elegant, sophisticated, and brings the other hues in the palette alive

MAJOLICA BLUE deep and exotic teal blue that is more vibrant than the typical navy

CREME BRULEE bridges the gap between beige and light gray; like Nomad, a timeless neutral

- Lesley Scott