Pantone: Red Hot Color for 2007

The color experts at Pantone, the company that defines and provides exact colors to the world of visual art, just named Pantone 19-1557, Chili Pepper, as the Color of the Year for 2007—according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, “Whether expressing danger, celebration, love, or passion, red will not be ignored.” Now that’s the kind of attitude I like to see in a color.

How do Pantone's experts choose the perfect shades for the coming season?

They scope out the hottest designs at Fashion Week, of course. To find out what the color trends for 2007 will be, check out Pantone’s Fashion Color Report (I’m truly in love with 12-1206 Silver Peony, and I think I NEED a tote in 19-2924 Hollyhock). Is it just me, or do the colors from Fall 2006 already look so six months ago?

The reason Pantone gets to forecast color trends is that its matching system is vital to designers, printers, and coloristas worldwide. The Pantone Matching System (PMS) ensures that the colors we choose for printed pieces are the same colors that come off press. Pantone has been the color authority for decades, and recently the matching system has moved off the page.

I’m talking about Pantone Paints and Interiors, a partnership between Pantone and Fine Paints of Europe. Now you can paint your bedroom in your favorite Pantone color. Their Pantone Universe signature is specifically for consumer products not related to the graphics or printing industries, like notebooks and handbags.

Pantone just keeps getting more fun. What does your birthday color say about you? Find out at www.colorstrology.com. (Personally, I’m an artist, communicator, and storyteller—you know, all that good stuff.)

Maybe it’s because I do this for a living. Maybe it’s because I want things in real life to look as bright and vibrant as they do in my head. Maybe I just love color. But whatever the reason, I’m sold. For 2007, color me PMS 19-1557.