Pantone Names Emerald as Its 2013 Color of the Year

Defined as a lively, radiant, lush green that's sophisticated and luxurious, jewel-tone "Emerald" was named as Pantone’s 2013 Color of the Year. Pantone, the global authority on color, said "Emerald 17-5641" enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.

Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the color of beauty and new life in many cultures and religions, according to Pantone. It’s also the color of growth, renewal, healing and prosperity. No other color conveys regeneration more than green.

Emerald replaces the 2012 Color of the Year – Tangerine Tango – which is a deep orange with red overtones. That color symbolized the energy boost we needed "to recharge and move forward.”

Appropriate for every occasion, emerald’s classic elegance makes for striking and irresistible women’s formal and everyday wear, as well as jewelry accessories. The prevalence of green has been steadily rising for several seasons, especially in the fashion and couture markets.

First Lady Michelle Obama donned an emerald green, full-skirted sleeveless dress by Azaara for her appearance on "The View" in late September. And Heidi Klum stole the show in a form-fitting emerald green ensemble at a "Project Runway" 10th Anniversary event in June.

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature – the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “As it has throughout history, multifaceted emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”

How does Pantone choose its colors each year? According to Pantone, it is a long and very thoughtful process. To arrive at the selection, Pantone literally combs the world looking for color influences. This can include the entertainment industry, films that are in production, traveling art collections, hot new artists, popular travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions.

Past colors include the following:

• Pantone 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012)
• Pantone 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)
• Pantone 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)
• Pantone 14-0848 Mimosa (2009)
• Pantone 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008)
• Pantone 19-1557 Chili Pepper (2007)