For all of you who have been waiting in breathless anticipation, yes, it’s true: Pantone has finally revealed their pick for the 2014 Color of the Year! Here’s a hint:

Okay, wrong flower. The 2014 Color of the Year is…

… Radiant Orchid!

Here’s a sample, courtesy of Refinery29:

According to this page on Pantone’s official website, “Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination. It is an expressive, creative and embracing purple—one that draws you in with its beguiling charm. A captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid emanates great joy, love and health.”

I have to say that colors in this general family (pinky mauves and lavenders) don’t usually appeal to me; they tend to wash out on my fair skin. However, Radiant Orchid seems to have some warmth underlying the cool tones, and that makes it quite intriguing to me, more sophisticated than a typical flowery pink. The easiest way to work a new color into your wardrobe is usually with accessories (which also usually require the least investment, a plus when you’re experimenting). So I may try knitting myself a scarf or fingerless gloves (my go-to accessory), or possibly even find Radiant Orchid shoes! This shade would work beautifully with the charcoal greys and deep browns I already have, and would also be a great spark of color with an all-black outfit. I might also think a bit outside the wardrobe box and find a fun umbrella in this fabulous color!

Yes, I can imagine many ways to ease Radiant Orchid into my wardrobe, but I’m not sure it could be used for just anything. I’m having difficulty imagining a car in this color, just to use a random example, although maybe a VitaMix or Le Creuset Dutch oven (hint, hint, to readers who may have me on their Christmas list). And if Apple would ever consider revisiting the glory days of the colorful iMacs (am I the only one who remembers the ones with flowers all over?), Radiant Orchid might be a good choice. Or maybe I could just slipcover my computer every year when the new Color of the Year is announced.

Radiant Orchid. Hue knew?

Let’s discuss this: What do you think of Pantone’s new Color of the Year? Would you wear it, and if yes, how would you incorporate it into your wardrobe? If no, why not? Would you consider using Radiant Orchid in, say, bathroom towels, curtains, pillows, or some other use?

*You can also find more of my Photo/Graphic Design work on my Facebook page, and in my P/GD Etsy shop.