Honeysuckle named Pantone’s Color of the Year 2011

Pantone Inc., the company that largely sets color standards for the fashion and home industries, has named honeysuckle the color of 2011.

For more than a decade, Pantone’s Color of the Year declarations have influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries including fashion, home and industrial design.

This vibrant pinkish-red, something in between fuchsia and pink, is a perfect post-winter-pick-me-up that helps to make consumer’s feel alive.

Pantone predicts that we are about to see a lot of this color, appearing on everything from women’s apparel to accessories, designer dresses, cosmetics, nail polish, home decor, appliances and linens and it will also be seen in men’s ties, shirts and sportswear.

Everyone from the upscale American label Cynthia Steffe to the Swedish “fast fashion” giant H&M has incorporated the hue into their spring 2011 ready-to-wear lines. Honeysuckle is a feel-good hue that brings a festive sense of playfulness to this season’s palette.

It’s a strong, positive and affirmative color wearable for lots of skin types and works for a variety of ages and styles. You can pair the color with orange or yellow or keep your look classic by pairing a pink top with denim.

Jason Gagnon, an apparel merchandising and design junior, said that he wouldn’t mind wearing honeysuckle.

“Personally, I would wear it as a shirt color, a tie or maybe a pinstripe in a pair of trousers,” Gagnon said. “I’m a daring type so a pair of shorts in that color wouldn’t bother me.”

Gagnon said that he thinks most men would wear the color as either a dress shirt or tie if their girlfriend picked it out for them.

The possibilities are endless, this hue is not limited to spring and summer and it can be worn for casual or formal occasions.

Alissa Berriman, an apparel merchandising and design senior, agreed with Gagnon.

“I would buy a pair of heels in that color,” Berriman said.

I’ve been on a hunt for honeysuckle in Mount Pleasant and discovered many cute accessories, rain boots and nail polish.

You can find honeysuckle on the racks and shelves at Kohl’s, 4855 Encore Boulevard, T.J. Maxx, 4216 East Blue Grass Road, and Target, 4097 East Bluegrass Road.

What do you think of honeysuckle? Would you wear it, decorate with it or avoid it?