The Pantone Color of the Year reminds me of a giant game of I Spy. After I learn which color Pantone has selected I spend the next 12 months noticing when Emerald green, Tangerine orange, or Mimosa yellow make an appearance in fashion, home décor, and design. It’s amazing to see the influence that one choice has on the products available. Suddenly, Target is carrying a bright turquoise toaster after years of silver and black.

2014’s color is “Radiant Orchid” which Pantone executive director Leatrice Eiseman calls magical, exotic, beguiling, and encouraging of innovation. The more unusual the color; the better the trend spotting and this shade of the purple family is a bold choice.

Design: Laura Messersmith; Product Images: Boots: Hunter, Cardigan: J. Crew, Necklace: Bauble Bar, Sunglasses: Kate Spade, Notebook: Moleskine, Candle: Paddywax, Lamp: Anthropologie — Design: *Laura Messersmith*; Product Images: *Boots: Hunter, Cardigan: J. Crew, Necklace: Bauble Bar, Sunglasses: Kate Spade, Notebook: Moleskine, Candle: Paddywax, Lamp: Anthropologie*

No shrinking violet - pun 100% intended - Radiant Orchid is bright and daring. It's virtue is being more unexpected than royal purple or the hot pinks that have been incredibly popular lately. When I see it I immediately think of greenhouse-grown flowers, rum-based cocktails, and slinky dresses (I predict at least one show-stopping 2014 Oscar dress in this shade - Jennifer Garner came pretty darn close last year). This color also represents a challenge because it's never going to take a backseat, hence the need for innovative thinking.

Pantone describes the process of identifying the Color of the Year as a global search for color trends across creative sectors including art, film, technology, international sporting events, and travel destinations. It sounded like a cool project to me, so I did my own armchair search to see whether Radiant Orchid had popped up yet.

I found several different items that looked like they came directly from Pantone’s creative team and I’m curious to see what the coming months will bring. Have you noticed Radiant Orchid dominating the color palette in your favorite shops? Do you find yourself incorporating color trends into your wardrobe?