As we all know from watching The Devil Wears Prada, color and textile trends do not reach saturation overnight. As the sharp tongued Miranda Priestly pointed out, color trends such as cerulean start out in designer collections then eventually trickle down to the bargain bin at the Gap. This careful planning is why forecasters have to work years in advance to plan trends. Designers must have time to incorporate the new “it” colors and textiles into their collections. When you see one color everywhere – home goods, swimwear, packaging, beauty, it isn’t just a coincidence. That was a carefully executed brainwash by forecasters and designers. Now it’s time to look ahead at the color and textile trends for Spring/Summer 2014.


            The title for my color story is Universe; it is based on the bold colors of space. The free form, enmeshed colors of space allow women to achieve a look that is natural rather than artificial. The target market for my forecast is women aged 18-35. An inspiration for this trend is from recent cool hunting in Austin, TX. Several young trendsetters were seen sporting t-shirts with a galactic motif. I thought this would carry over well into a Spring/Summer color story. Monaco Blue is the color for spring 2013 according to Pantone, and looking ahead it is all about pinks (Pantone, 2012). I have selected a darker pink, Supernova, and a lighter pink, Cosmos. Stardust is a purple with a hint of grey for a neutral. Shimmer is an interesting pop of yellow green. Deep space is a teal that rounds everything out. All colors can be paired well with black and white as a base, or metallic for a dressier vibe. The can be worn alone or together for a look that you think won’t match, but amazingly does. All colors are pulled from images of the universe.


            Textiles that would pair well with this color story are silk, organza and chiffon for a elegant diaphanous look that mimics the sheer smattering of stars in the galaxy. Man made materials are good for this trend because they can produce a shiny finish. Of course cotton is always a must for summer because of the breathable nature of the fabric.


            Women will gravitate toward this color palette because the colors can be mixed with what they have in their closet. The direction has gone past global and reached far out to universal. The night sky resonates with every person, and is a part of nature, just a different one than is usually focused on for spring/summer. The zeitgeist is moving in a direction of knowledge, empowerment, and others focused; these elements are inspiration. The watercolor affect and organic prints on clothes are a beautiful step back from color blocking. This palette can also translate into home goods, menswear, packaging, and paint colors. Kitchen appliances would be a unique way to use these colors. The colors are basic enough that they could be around for several years and not look out of place.