Spring It On: The Top 10 Pantone Colors for Women's RTW Spring 2010

“Purple has been a huge color for the last several seasons, and this version has finally taken purple to number one,” said Eiseman of Pantone. She said the red undertone “provides a bit more excitement to what we’d typically think of as a cooler color. A little bit of warmth to a cool color intrigues the consumer’s eye.”

Eiseman attributed the rising popularity of yellow to designers who used the color in accessories and evening gowns. “We’ve really been seeing variations of yellow on the red carpet,” she said. Reese Witherspoon and Michelle Williams have graced red-carpet events with variations on the color. Adam Lippes played with contrasting pop colors, including Aurora.

Peter Som, who used Turquoise for spring, told Pantone his color inspiration reflected “the need for a happy mood — lifting colors that offer a bit of escapism.” And Eiseman explained, “This version of blue excites the consumer because we associate certain tropical, ocean-filled vacations with Turquoise. It makes people think of someplace exotic.”

“Designers really believe in orange, and they clearly want to continue that pathway,” Eiseman said. “This version is not over the top; rather, it’s a very mellow color.” The cosmetics industry also has taken advantage of this color, because, unlike the bolder, typical oranges, she said, “this is much more flattering to many different skin tones.”

Ken Downing, Neiman Marcus senior vice president and fashion director, told Pantone, “Red is the message from the runway. Bright lipstick to deep Bordeaux will fill her passion for a color-saturated season.” For spring, Badgley Mischka, Rebecca Taylor and Tia Cibani for Ports 1961 also chose this version of red for their collections.

“This is a basic, strong color for consumers’ wardrobes,” Eiseman said. “In the last few seasons, we know that the brown tones have become so much more popular. This is a variation on the brown theme but, again, this is a light, soft version for springtime.” Designers who used this color include Nanette Lepore and Catherine Malandrino.

This version of blue has purple undertones, “which add more warmth to the color, giving it more appeal than an average blue,” Eiseman said. Adrienne Vittadini chose this as one of her colors, telling Pantone her inspiration was “the crystal blue waters of Capri.” Tommy Hilfiger, who also worked with Amparo Blue, told Pantone he was inspired by “the California coastline.”

“This is an airy, light-as-a-feather kind of color that relates well to textures,” Eiseman said. “I see this used in filmy, romantic spring dresses and skirts and scarves. Because of its versatility, it’s not a boring neutral. It’s got that little undertone of pink that gives it more romance, more personality.”

This variation of green “is very neutral, and it will be accepted even by people who are typically hesitant to invest in green,” Eiseman said. She noted that combining it with colors such as Violet or Aurora “would urge consumers even more to buy the color.” Carmen Marc Valvo’s version of Dried Herb, “Warm Khaki,” was his signature color, “juxtaposed with metallic gold.”

This version of gray is a practical, neutral gray that can be used in any of the top 10’s palette as a combination, Eiseman said. “If you purchase a jacket in Eucalyptus, you can match it up against any of the top vibrant colors, for example. It will work to balance out an outfit.” She predicted many consumers will look for shoes and accessories in this color.