The colour gurus at the Pantone Colour Institute have released their predictions for top colours of Fall 2012, just in time for New York Fashion Week. And why, you ask, should non-fashion people care? Because, I say, this will give us a sense of what we are going to see on the general election trail this fall.
(It is also an indication of the shades we may be inexplicably, but inexorably drawn to as we embark on post-holiday, back-to-work shopping.)
After all, you can’t tell me the imagineering folks in the respective presidential campaign camps wouldn’t be attracted by the following statement, courtesy of Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of Pantone: “By playing to consumers’ practical side with versatile neutrals, and boosting their confidence with bold, spirited hues, this skillfully balanced palette has something for everyone.”
Something for everyone! Hot dog! Who could resist that?
So what can we expect?
Well, the top men’s colours this Fall are apparently Olympian Blue, Ultramarine Green, Honey Gold and Tangerine Tango, all of which suggest that Newt Gingrich, Mr red tie, is on the wrong sartorial track, reflecting his increasingly poor poll showings. French roast is also on the palette, but what that might signify for the upcoming Gallic elections is rather unpleasant to contemplate.
Mitt Romney, Mr blue tie, is more on-trend, but if he does become the eventual Republican nominee, I wonder what will happen when he attempts to differentiate himself from Barack Obama, another blue tie guy. Rick Santorum has explored Honey Gold in the past, so perhaps that is a plausible option.
Meanwhile, the women have it easier: their top shades (the above, plus Pink
Flambé) are all generally mediagenic and made for a stage. Michelle Obama has already displayed a certain affinity for orange.
Colour me curious.
Vanessa has been the FT’s fashion editor since 2003, and is based in New York, though she lived in London for 12 years.