'Color Me Purple'

With New York Fashion Week just about wrapping up, it looks like the Pantone Color Institute has released its list of popular men’s and women’s colors for fall.

For those that don’t know, the Pantone Color Institute is the leading authority on color and is instrumental in its use in both the fashion and home furnishings industry. Chances are that whichever color makes it on this list is likely to turn up on your next shopping trip for the next dress, accessory or bath towel.

So that you can compare and contrast between the spring-summer and the upcoming fall-winter, here’s a look at some of this season’s picks:

After the recession hit in 2008, most designers retreated to leather and studs, hard and masculine all-black looks. It might be the jumpstarting economy or the possibility that designers believe color might lure more shoppers. Whatever the reason, the color purple dominates the chart this season (and no, I’m not referring to the novel, although that’s a best-seller too) and will continue to, come fall.

Listed in value of importance is the latest Fall 2010 list:

1. Purple Orchid

2. Chocolate Truffle

- Because this shade bears a near resemblance to plum, chocolate truffle is able to combine with other shades of brown and other brighter colors as well. There are fewer limits with such a shade. According to the Pantone Institute in WWD, this color is “classic, dependable.”

3. Woodbine

4. Oyster Gray*

- With nudes having a strong presence this spring, oyster gray is a neutral worthy of exploring. It can be paired with more of the flesh tones we see this spring, and as a lighter gray, it can also break up darker color combinations in the fall.

5. Lagoon Pantone

6. Rose Dust

7. Lipstick Red

8. Golden Glow

9. Living Coral*

- Coral is a natural deviation from the orange that so many designers have favored in the past two seasons. It breathes freshness and is soft and warm. On a personal note, I already have my eyes on a silk floor-length Nicole Miller gown in this same shade, which I plan to match with my collection of elaborate costume jewelry.

10. Endive

My top picks: Chocolate Truffle; Oyster Gray; Rose Dust; Golden Glow; Living Coral

Least favorite: Woodbine, Lagoon, Endive

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of bellasignature.com and pantone.com