Fall 2010 Fashion Color Palette: 70s Romanticism Meets New Millenium Retro

With the influential New York fashion design set opting for earthy colors like Woodbine, a not-yo-mama's-avocado shade favored by Peter Som (above), Tracy Reese & Betsey Johnson; crisp yellowy/green Endive at Rachel Roy; classic beigey pink neutrals Oyster Gray & Rose Dust (Victoria Bartlett at VPL, Catherine Malandrino, Cynthia Steffe, Ports 1961, David Rodriguez, Rebecca Taylor); and bold pops of Lipstick Red, Purple Orchid, and turquoise'y Lagoon, it would appear, according to the palette of Top 10 hues selected for inclusion in the Fall 2010 PANTONE Fashion Color Report that Granny is definitely taking a trip down 70s Fantasy Lane. "Psychedelic Woodstock color meets Park Avenue elegance," confirms Peter Som when asked about his inspiration for Fall 2010, his must-have pick from the collection being a tie-dye lace top in Ombre Blue. For Tibi's Amy Smilovic, it's about "hero and heroine, Napoleon and Josephine, Samson and Delilah," while Rachel Roy headed back in time to the "subtle influence of Egypt and the 20s - 30s."

While nostalgia for yesteryear is still proving a strong influence on designers, so are today's animated films - in particular, they way they juxtapose vivid hues in surprising ways to create "arresting" color combos. "This season's offerings include innovative takes on fundamental basics, as well as transporting, lively colors that conjure up images of travel and adventure, whether real or aspirational," explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute about fall's blend of practical neutrals and innovative basics that provide options galore for embellishing your wardrobe without having to start from $cratch.

What other fashion insiders think about the role of color for Fall 2010:

ENDIVE a crisp, revitalizing yellow-green that adds freshness to the entire palette

GOLDEN GLOW yellow that has been deepened for an earthy, retro feel (especially when paired with Purple Orchid or Woodbine)

LIVING CORAL the perfect complement to turquoise'y Lagoon when heading for a tropical destination in reality or just fantasy

LIPSTICK RED deep, dramatic, and sensual - expect to see a lot of it in cosmetics

PURPLE ORCHID touches of fuchsia give this purple a bit of magic and vibrancy

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE like its namesake treat, this delish rich brown has tasty and piquant plum undertones and looks lovely with Purple Orchid

LAGOON the season's turquoise (the Color of the Year for 2010) that adds tropical splash, especially in accessories and paired with red

WOODBINE the evolution of last season's neutral greens; eyecatching when mixed with Purple Orchid or Chocolate Truffle

OYSTER GRAY classic, neutral, and a lighter take on "traditional" fall gray - reflecting people's desire for investment, season-proof fashion

ROSE DUST ethereally romantic and flattering beige that spans the seasons

"Three color stories rule Fall 2010," says Macy's Fashion Director, Nicole Fischelis. "The first brings you back to earth, unfolding a rich color palette that ranges from Brick to Ginger, with accent shades of Oranges and Greens inspired by nature. The second, called New Antiquarians, combines the Dusty Pale Rose, Mulberry, Peridot and Grays of the Victorian Age with the Black and Metallic of the Goth subculture. Finally, a gypsy-like mix of couture vintage uses rich jewel tones like Violet, Fuchsia, Spicy Orange, China Blue and Emerald, mixed with Copper and Gold to tell a beautiful story for fall."

"For 2010, the use of color will become even more important," predicts Colleen Sherin, Fashion Market Director for Saks Fifth Avenue. "We are seeing time and time again that our customer is responding emotionally to true color...We're loving intense shades of Teal, Purple and Green, and are seeing bold pops of primary shades of Red, Yellow and Blue. Current economic conditions have changed the way we think about fashion and color."

"As far as fashion and color are concerned, in 'these times' I believe there are two stories: one about reality and one about fantasy," muses celeb makeup artist Collier Strong. "The reality of the situation is grounding, humbling and accountable. The fantasy is one of escape - the safe place to live out one's dreams. Both are seen in the reflection of what we wear. It's never been more important to show who you are and what you believe in, and there's not a more subtle way of doing that than with color."

"I see color in fashion as more of a mood changer than ever before," points out fashion insider and eBay Style Director Constance White, who has, of late, adopted a new fashion color rule: "Try it, you might like it! In the last few years there's been such an influx of color in fashion, including the new neutrals which range from the iciest pinks to the lightest lavenders. Faced with all these choices, women may revert to Black, but I urge them to give color a try."

According to India Hicks, a Creative Partner of Crabtree & Evelyn, the fact our heels are getting lower and bags more discreet is a sign of caution when it comes to fashion, albeit tinged with optimism. "There is the heavenly prevalence of this new neutral color, which is gorgeous and flattering to most skin tones. How to describe it exactly? Blush, Salmon, Flesh, Nude, Sand, Camel, Honey, Ginger or Treacle. Yum!"

And lastly, Cate Adair advises hopping on the color bandwagon as a way to get more bang for your fashion buck. "My new fashion rule is to embrace colors that make you feel good and breathe new life into your closet. Now more than ever is the time to mix new colorful accessories with your classic silhouettes. You'll be amazed at what a splash of color can do to both your 'look' and your 'outlook,'" advises the "Desperate Housewives" Costume Designer. "In these economic times, it's actually quite fashionable to get more out of our closets before we buy new. As costs increase, so does our appreciation of beautiful fashion. As well as being seasonal, fashion now is something that needs to transcend seasons."

For more about on the Fall 2010 Fashion Color Report, check out Pantone.com.

- Lesley Scott