The Devil Wears Prada – The Belt Scene

During college, I had the wild idea to get a minor in Textile and Apparel Management. Just a few months after graduation – I am so glad I did. From Textiles 2000 to Fundamentals of E-Commerce to the History of Western Dress, the classes proved to be incredibly inspiring.

Remember the scene in The Devil Wears Prada movie where Miranda lectures Andy about the “cerulean” blue shade of her sweater? Before the lecture, Andy laughs while the other two women discuss which shade of blue belt to pick for the next season’s clothing line.

Her sarcastic snicker irritates her boss and an intense lecture on the importance of color begins. She says something like: We, here at Vouge, determined several years ago, that you would someday buy that sweater in that shade of blue. You seem to think we are silly or trivial for discussing the color options. Then, her boss points out that the exact shade of her own sweater was selected by these ladies, in this room, several seasons ago.

Pantone Color Forecasting

The whole lecture is very snooty and serious, but it was probably my favorite scene in the movie. Loved the drama! A few years later, I was introduced to Pantone Color Forcasting in one of my textile classes. I learned, the scene in the movie is real! There are actually people out there who forecast what colors will be “in” for the upcoming season. However, the report is not snotty like the scene from the movie. It is very down-to-earth, pratical designing insight. I love the way Pantone talks and thinks about color. To me, the color decisions are not limited to a high fashion choice between two belts, the colors can simply be our guide for the next fabric purchase or color palate for new quilt or purse project. After all, quilters are designers – we need to know this stuff!

Fashion Color Report Spring 2013: A Balancing Act

Aren’t these colors lovely? Pantone calls this collection: A Balancing Act. Notice each color is named and numbered so that designers can get the exact shade correct. And better yet, here is the description from Pantone:

“This season, designers overwhelmingly address consumers’ desire for self-expression, balance and the need to re-energize. The color direction for spring builds upon these compelling needs with a palette that mixes dynamic brights with novel neutrals to create a harmonious balance. This allows for unique combinations that offer practicality and versatility, but at the same time, demand attention and earn an appreciative glance.

“The expression ‘balancing act’ is something we all relate to as we strive to find harmony in the frantic pace of our everyday lives,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute^®. “The same can be said for fashion as we look for balance between light and bright, classic and new. This season’s color palette emphasizes this need for balance, while at the same time allowing for individuality, self-expression and excitement.”

More to Come

During the next few weeks, I will be posting more specifically about the colors, quilting fabrics and quilting challenges all related to the Spring 2013 Colors.

{P.S.} If you have a few moments enjoy watching this video from the Director of Pantone explaining the Fashion Color Report Spring 2013. It is fabulous.}

{P.P.S} Since Pantone is a color “forecasting” group – they have already come out with the Fashion Color Report Fall 2013.