Spring 2010 Fashion Color Report: Splashes of Sunshine

While the economic forecast is currently cautious, from a fashion point of view, Spring looks more sanguine thanks to modern neutrals punctuated with cheery splashes of exuberant color. "Now, more than ever, women are vigilant when it comes to spending," notes Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute which just released the Fashion Color Forecast for Spring 2010. "Instead of reinventing their wardrobe at the start of each season, consumers want pieces to complement what they already own by pairing a bold color with a basic piece, or freshening up their look with bright accents addresses the need for practicality, as well as fun!"

Here are the Top 10 Colors for Women's Spring 2010 Fashion:

TURQUOISE (Pantone 15-5519) part of the blue-green family, this soothing hue conjures feelings of escape

TOMATO PUREE (18-1661) this season's classic red; for a dash of retro chic, pair with Turquoise

FUSION CORAL (16-1543) an inviting, somewhat provocative orange

VIOLET (16-3320) a distinctive purplish - and romantic - addition to any wardrobe

TUSCANY (16-1219) as a solid base against which to ground dynamic accents of Fusion Coral or Violet, this warm beige hue is the backdrop

AURORA (12-0642) like the first glimpse of the sun rising on the horizon, shimmering slightly greenish yellow adds a touch of bold

AMPARO BLUE (18-3945) warmer than your typical spring navy, and appealing because of its brighter, more energetic attitude

PINK CHAMPAGNE (12-1107) a delicate, wispy tint that is the season's newest neutral; instead of your typical combo of red, white & blue, try mixing Pink Champagne with Tomato Puree and Amparo Blue

DRIED HERB (17-0627) the ultimate neutral - in green

EUCALYPTUS (15-0513) a nuanced, yet practical, cool gray; a good choice for big-ticket purchases & fab with brightly colored accessories, shoes & bags

TURQUOISE & TOMATO PUREE:

PETER SOM SIGNATURE COLOR OF THE COLLECTION: Deeply Aqua Blue. OVERALL COLLECTION COLOR PALETTE: blue shades of Azure, Lagoon & True Navy; Dove Grays; Shades of White (Optic, Buttermilk, Ivory); Sunny Yellow; Tangerine Orange; Hibiscus Pink. INSPIRATION: "My choices reflect the need for happy, mood-lifting colors that offer a bit of escapism."

REBECCA TAYLOR SIGNATURE COLOR: Tomato Red ("because it epitomizes the new, clean city feeling of our "summer in the city" theme"). COLLECTION COLOR PALETTE: bright red with tan and 70s retro Jades ("feels fun"); Tomato Red with Mint and super-soft Peachy Pink; Red-toned Pinks and Oranges; hot colors; Crazy Pink & Hot Pink; Shocking Orange and Intense Blues. INSPIRATION: "We were feeling more urban than seasons past, and wanted the color palette to reflect that. We chose more 'city' colors to be part of the palette."

FUSION CORAL & VIOLET:

TRACY REESE SIGNATURE COLOR: Varying shades of Blue. COLLECTION COLOR PALETTE: Blueberry, Peri & Ocean Wave with a "rainbow" of Rich Berry, Bluebell, Crocus, Pale Winsome, Passionfruit & Goldenrod. INSPIRATION: "Pierre Bonnard's unique approach to solid color by building and layering multiple colors."

TIBI/AMY SMILOVIC SIGNATURE COLOR: Lavender ("It's new, soft and evokes femininity and grace. It looks amazing paired with Black and is totally wearable. It's time for a Lavender resurgence.") COLLECTION COLOR PALETTE: Lavender & Bright Coral, Dusty Turquoise & Jade Green. INSPIRATION: "My mood for something soft and romantic that still appeals to my love of strong color. It's all about the juxtaposition of soft and icy pastel colors mixed with pops of bold, saturated, strong floral colors; it's a garden palette that makes up a cheerful and colorful nuance."

TUSCANY & AURORA:

CATHERINE MALANDRINO SIGNATURE COLOR: Deep Purple highlighted by Turquoise. COLLECTION COLOR PALETTE: a base of Coco and Sand with Plum, Mustard and Deep Purple - highlighted by Turquoise and Red with Black & graphic elements ("the colors are warm, deep & mute"). INSPIRATION: "Geographical areas like South Africa, the Sahara Desert, and the Joie de Vivre of South America."

ADAM LIPPES SIGNATURE COLORS: Tangerine & Indigo. COLLECTION COLOR PALETTE: a variety of pop colors along with soft, natural pastels - including cool, true Indigo Blue as a base for hot hues such as Bright Pink Poppy & Golden Rich Tangerine. INSPIRATION: "A recent trip to the Kenyan island Lamu, which is located in the Indian Ocean."

AMPARO BLUE & PINK CHAMPAGNE:

MARIA PINTO SIGNATURE COLOR: a vibrant orange known as Canna ("because it moves all other colors toward a dynamic and fresh energy"). COLLECTION COLOR PALETTE: Canna; Salvia (Cool Purple); Mimosa (Green-Yellow) - balanced by Mud (Warm Gray), Black, Cobalt & Orchid (Deep Purple). INSPIRATION: "The range of emotions found in Argentine Tango: the passion is Canna (Vibrant Orange) and cool seduction is a moody shade of Mud (Warm Gray)."

ANDY & DEBB SIGNATURE COLOR: Dusty Sky Blue ("it is so fresh and sophisticated, works well with Black & Ivory, and looks new with Beige and Pink"). COLLECTION COLOR PALETTE: a combination of Sand Beige and Dusty Sky Blue - made more vibrant and alive with Mocha Brown, Leaf Green, and Fuchsia. INSPIRATION: "Nature on Earth - we used various earth tones from Beige to Brown, shades from the sky, and vivid colors from flowers and leaves."

DRIED HERB & EUCALYPTUS:

CARMEN MARC VALVO SIGNATURE COLORS: Khaki & Gold. COLLECTION COLOR PALETTE: Warm Khaki juxtaposed with Metallic Gold. INSPIRATION: "New York - the ultimate urban jungle."

PAMELLA ROLAND SIGNATURE COLOR: Poppy ("I love the strong Orange color on sun-kissed skin"). COLLECTION COLOR PALETTE: Clear bright colors (Poppy, Freesia, Peony, Yellow Dahlia & Honeydew) supported by strong neutrals (Heather Gray, Jet Black & White), completed with a soft cosmetic palette and precious metals. INSPIRATION: "One of America's most important female artists: Georgia O'Keefe. Her iconic images of nature and beautiful flowers are immortalized in effervescent color combinations."