Yep, today is kind of like the Oscars of Colour. Earlier this morning, the Pantone Colour of the Year for 2013 was announced and it is… Emerald Green! (or PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald Green to be exact). After the vibrance of last year’s Tangerine Tango, I had a feeling there would be a return to the cooler spectrum. Emerald or Pine Green even crossed my mind (I swear!) as there are so many modern takes on the classic hue emerging. Old school emerald can conjure up stuffy, hoity toity or outdated visuals but modern emerald? It seems more clear and more cool toned than its warmer, antique-tinged predecessor. I find this new shade of emerald much easier to wear too (old emerald was harsh against many skin colours). Like navy blue, many shades of emerald are now being used as a neutral of sorts. Mixed with any colour, from hot pink to soft mint, emerald is unexpected and has a grounding effect.

Pantone has declared their choice, “”Lively. Radiant. Lush. A colour of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.” I think lush is exactly how I would define this “new emerald”. It retains its sense of luxury but with clarity and a modern edge. I love this new take on emerald and can’t wait to see how it is explored in 2013. What do you think? A good choice? Will you rethink emerald?

(photographs because i am fabulous, j.crew, pantone, wardrobe oxygen, style carrot and design*sponge)