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Back to school – the ABCs of the leap day

Back to school – the ABCs of the leap day

happy leap day

There’s an extra day to play with this year as 2024 is a leap year. So we will have the pleasure of the 29th February for the first time again in four years. (Not sure I was that pleased to have an extra day in the last leap year of 2020 though!)

science

The Earth doesn’t takes exactly 365 days to go round the sun. There is actually another five hours, 48 minutes and 45 seconds each year. So in order to keep our modern manmade calendar aligned with the solar journey (and to ensure we don’t lose nearly 6 hours a year), we need to add another day in February occasionally.

maths

Whilst we say that there is a leap year every four years this isn’t exactly correct. The general rule of thumb is that if the year is divisible by 4 then it is a leap year. However, a year that is divisible by 100 is NOT a leap year, UNLESS the year is also divisible by 400! So 1900 wasn’t a leap year and neither will be 2100, but 2000 was a leap year. Our next leap years will be 2028 and 2032.

history

Julius Caesar first introduced the leap year to the calendar in 46 BC. Some famous events during leap years in history include: the first modern Olympic Games took place (in 1896), the Titanic sank (in 1912) and The D-Day landings happened (in 1944).

business studies

February 29th is not really a legal day and many companies don’t recognize Leap Day as a ‘valid day’. Some question whether a document signed on a leap day is legally binding. And lots of people may work for free on this extra day in February.

personal development

When it comes to proposing, traditionally a leap year meant that the tables were turned and women could have the chance to propose. See my previous post on wedding proposals during leap years. However some deem getting married (or even engaged) in a leap year unlucky.

humanities

Many cultures believe that leap years are unlucky. Reportedly, the world goes a bit erratic with crazy weather patterns, additional suffering and a pretty gloomy outlook. Hence why some countries believe it is unlucky to make major decisions in a leap year like buying a house or car, or getting married. It is also traditionally seen as unlucky to get married on a leap day (29 February), though some people comment that you’d only have to remember your wedding anniversary every 4 years. 

philosophy

There are some profound sayings about leap years. For example, a Scottish proverb says that a leap year is bad for livestock: ‘Leap year was ne’er a good sheep year.’ And Italians say ‘anno bisesto, anno funesto’ (meaning that the leap year is doomed) as they believe that women are erratic in a leap year.

sports

The Summer Olympic Games are held every four years on leap years.

media studies

The probability of being born on a leap day are 1 in 1,461 days. So there are only around 5 million people that are born on 29th February. Here are some famous leapers/leaplings:

  • Rapper – Ja Rule
  • Spanish Footballer – Ferrán Torres
  • Composer – Rossini
  • Actor – Joss Ackland
  • Prime Minister of Spain – Pedro Sánchez
  • And even Superman has this rare birthday too

It’s quite an exceptional day. What will you do with the extra day this year?

Top Autumn 2024 colours from Pantone®

Top Autumn 2024 colours from Pantone®

Crazy weather

I’m beginning to think that the warmer weather of last week was ‘false spring’ and led me in to a false sense of warmer months being imminent. Because this week, we are back to the erratic weather including rain, floods, high winds and even more frosty nights and misty mornings.

It seems the shoots in the ground thought the same as me and I hope they can make it unscathed through to spring soon.

Autumn 2024 colours

Whilst I am longing for Spring, it’s at this time of the year that I think about seasons even further away with the recent fashion weeks in New York, London and Milan this month, and Paris this week.

From these fashion weeks, Pantone® have predicted 10 colours that they think will be prevalent in Autumn/Winter 2024/25 which all make me feel warm and cosy like I’m wrapped in a luxurious velvet blanket.

Food

There’s a big vibe of autumnal produce and harvest time in this mix of colours including names of plum, pumpkin, orange, tomato, egg plant (aubergine), and almond milk.

Nature

Lots of the colours evoke the natural work around us with fern, rainforest, iguana, pine cone, sheepkin and swan.

Crisp mornings

There’s a sense of chilly cold winter skys from Starlight Blue right through to Evening Blue.

Weather

Even these colours are hinting at the crazy changing weather we’re experiencing with extremes such as Storm Front, Sunburn, Misted Yellow and Moonstruck.

Fall 2024 colours 

The top ten colours for Fall 2024 from New York Fashion Week are:
  • Tomato Cream 16-1348
  • Scarlet Smile 19-1558
  • Golden Palm 17-0839 TCX
  • Aventurine 19-5421
  • Red Orange 17-1464
  • Fern 16-0430
  • Italian Plum 19-2514
  • Moonstruck 14-4500
  • Winter Sky 14-4307
  • Lucent White 11-0700

Fall 2024 extra colours from LFW

Most of the colours have the same vibe at London Fashion Week, with some slightly different hues. The noticeable difference was a yellowy brown at NYFW (of Buckthorn Brown) which were replaced with a bright blue (or Wave Ride) at LFW.

Here are the colours for Fall 2024 from LFW:

  • Pureed Pumpkin 17-1449
  • Misted Yellow 14-0837
  • Starlight Blue 12-4609
  • Cherry Tomato 17-1563
  • Sunburn 16-1429
  • Wave Ride 17-4129
  • Storm Front 17-1503
  • Eggplant 19-2311
  • Almond Milk 12-4301
  • Rain Forest 19-5232

Neutral basics

Pantone® have also updated the Fall 2024 Classic Colour Palette. These are a group of neutrals that are core basics in the form of beige, brown, grey, navy, and an earthy brown. The normal whites made it in to the main set of colours this season.

The bonus classic neutral colours for Fall 2024 from NYFW are:

  • White Swan 12-000
  • Raw Umber 17-1422
  • Dark Gull Gray 18-0403
  • Baritone Blue 19-3812
  • Buckhorn Brown 18-0935

    The Fall 2024 Classic Colour Palette at London Fashion Week swapped some of the main colours to the neutral palette including the addition of a moss green. They are:

    • Sheepskin 14-1122
    • Iguana 18-0525
    • Pinecone 19-1121
    • Dark Shadows 19-3906
    • Evening Blue 19-3815

        Colour themes

        Colour plays an important part in our lives and it’ll be interesting to see how these colours filter through to influence everything around us.

        Pantone® is the world-renowned authority on colour and the Pantone® Color of the Year is always really influential in any popular colour themes in fashion, interior design and weddings.

        Celebrating 10 years of Hanami Dream

        Celebrating 10 years of Hanami Dream

        where it all started

        This year marks 10 years since Hanami Dream was founded and it has evolved quite a bit since those first few tentative steps in to working for myself.

        For starters, the logo looked a bit busier and more floral back then, plus the focus of Hanami Dream started off looking at all of life’s momentous milestones such as weddings, special occasions, children’s parties and baby showers.

        But the blog has been the overarching thread throughout the life of the business – some of the time generating an income, sometimes bringing together contacts which led to business relationships, and always charting my news and following my journey.

        Hanami Dream - Weddings & Special Events - UK wedding blog, Oxfordshire

        tenth anniversary

        Each month in the build up to the 10th birthday of Hanami Dream in July 2024, I’ll take a look at how the business has changed and how different aspects have led to where the business is today.

        This month, I’m looking at some of the photo shoots I’ve organised as Hanami Dream and you’ll see more photos from each of these over the next few months.

        After all, it was a photo shoot that started things for Hanami Dream in early 2014. The shoots combined my experience of organising lifestyle shoots and my passion for weddings. But the first shoot wasn’t actually a wedding shoot – they came a bit later down the line.

        I remember the conversation like it was yesterday. A photographer friend of mine asked if I would organise a styled photo shoot with her to provide some photos for her portfolio. She knew that I’d organised lots of shoots in my previous corporate world. One slight complication was that I was 6 months pregnant at the time with my second child – but I always like a tight deadline!

        Photography by Farrow Photography

        alice in wonderland

        For the first shoot, we had a very clear vision of our theme and sourced and made most of the props ourselves and used our own children as the models.

        Hanami Dream and Farrow Photography joined forces to bring to life some inspirational themes for special occasions. Sandra (from Farrow Photography) wanted to show something different for baby and toddler photo shoots and I showcased how you can use a theme to enhance your milestone event, whatever the age of the guest.

        Here are the photos for our cute Alice in Wonderland tea party for children to mark Alice Day (4th July) in 2014:

        https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/how-we-organised-our-alice-in-wonderland-tea-party/

        Photograph by Farrow Photography

        wizard of oz

        By the second shoot, we started to use other suppliers and show case their products too. We collaborated again in August 2014 when we went over the rainbow to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the release of the Wizard of Oz film.

        We followed the yellow brick road with another themed children’s party, showcasing some amazing products from local suppliers – after all there’s no place like home.

        https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/how-we-went-somewhere-over-the-rainbow-with-our-wizard-of-oz-party/

        Photography by Farrow Photography

        wind in the willows

        Following the success of our previous themed photo shoots, we collaborated once again to produce an amazing bridal styled shoot based around another well-known story, The Wind in the Willows. By this third shoot in 2016, we expanded things completely using bride and groom models and having a full lifestyle wedding shoot on location at Minster Mill, a nearby wedding venue.

        https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/inspiration-autumnal-marsala-gold-wind-in-the-willows-wedding/

        Photography by Farrow Photography

        secret garden

        For my fourth shoot, I was delighted to work with a new photography partner on a styled bridal shoot in 2017. It was wonderful to work alongside Steve from Squib Photography. We collaborated to produce an amazing bridal styled shoot based around The Secret Garden. It was also an honour to be able to showcase some amazing products from some fantastic local suppliers and also showcase local Witney venue, Cogges Manor Farm.

        https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/inspiration-modern-edwardian-secret-garden-wedding/

        Photography by Farrow Photography

        festival

        To coincide with a wedding open day that I coordinated at Cogges Manor Farm in 2017, the Barn was dressed as if it were a real wedding. This was not a traditional wedding fair – it was a relaxed and informal open day showcasing a truly personal wedding option – not a cookie cutter approach at all. Images from the day were fantastically captured by Cat Stephens Photography.

        https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/inspiration-festival-wedding/

        Photography by Farrow Photography

        journey to the centre of the earth

        I was over the moon to be approached by a beautiful local venue in 2017 to style their wedding venue in order to show it off in a new light and provide all involved with wonderful lifestyle imagery.

        It was great to work alongside Squib Photography again. This time we were at Oxleaze Barn and we collaborated to produce an amazing bridal styled shoot inspired by Journey to the Centre of the Earth. It was also a privilege to be able to showcase some amazing products from some fantastic local suppliers.

        https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/inspiration-journey-to-the-centre-of-the-earth-wedding/

        Photography by Farrow Photography

        networking

        The other brilliant thing about the photo shoots was they provided great networking opportunities and getting to work together with other suppliers. For me, they also helped lead to the next steps in the journey of Hanami Dream.

        Firstly they gave me things to share on my blog and helped to raise my profile and gave me the confidence to enter competitions and awards, plus submit and get articles in publications.

        Secondly, they were a great way for suppliers to see me working first hand. This developed opportunities to work more closely with some suppliers and provide them with marketing support in their own businesses.

        published articles

        Hanami Dream styled shoots have been published in a number of places in print and online including: Bride Magazine, Your Glos & Wilts Wedding magazine, Your Berks, Buck and Oxon Wedding magazine, and SoGlos Weddings.

        My shoots brought together wonderful local suppliers. Together we showcased the amazing talent that our part of the UK has to offer the wedding industry and all benefitted from the lifestyle imagery and promotion.

        Photography by Farrow Photography

        All photography in the post are by Farrow Photography. Look out for more images from other shoots in next month’s post following the build up to the tenth birthday.

        Thank you, January!

        Thank you, January!

        wish it had been longer

        I feel a bit cheated out of the whole of this month. With the children going back to school later than usual I lost one and a half weeks at the beginning of the month before I could even hit the ground running. I heard lots of people saying January was soooo long but for me it wasn’t long enough!

        celebrating small wins

         

        In this scenario, it might be tempting to feel like I’m chasing my tail from the outset (and let’s be honest, the weeks often feel like they’re racing past!) But I’ve started this year with taking time at the end of each day to write down the 3 best things of my day.

        Rather than looking at what is left on my to do list, I’m celebrating the small wins from each day. I’m looking at the donut instead of the hole. Looking at what I have done and not what I haven’t.

        my January achievements

        So thank you January, because this month I’ve been able to achieve (in no particular order):

        • Writing blog posts more regularly again and getting my writing mojo back.
        • Starting a new term at Sing and Sign and meeting some lovely excited new families that I can teach and pass on signing skills to.
        • Designing a shiny new logo for a client.
        • Working on a comms strategy for a new client.
        • Having nice compliments about my work and enthusiasm from CEO.
        • Updating my CV and getting excited about another possible new job to add to the portfolio and recognising how much I’ve achieved in my career.
        • Being invited to an interview for potential new client.
        • Enjoying a laser quest party for my eldest – for the first time in 4 years it’s been within a month of their actual birthday.
        • A wonderful weekend away to celebrate my mother’s 70th birthday.
        • Throwing my own pot on a brilliant pottery experience.
        • Time to unwind and complete a 1000 piece jigsaw.
        • Enjoying some great TV such as The Traitors and Pottery Throw Down, and sofa cuddles with whole family watching Junior Bake Off and Gladiators.
        • Seeing all my children doing an amazing job at talent show.
        • Enjoying a fire on a cold day.
        • Having warm relaxing baths.
        • Enjoying reading my book (have read 1 and a half this month – The Wild Other by Clover Stroud and half way through The Wake Up Call by Beth O’Leary).
        • Submitting tax returns with over a week to go before deadline

        Pantone® announce the Color of the Year 2024

        Pantone® announce the Color of the Year 2024

        Pantone® Colour of the Year 2024

        As always, December is bonkers busy with the build up to Christmas getting earlier and earlier each year, along with all the school events and several birthdays to navigate before we can collapse in a big (usually ill) heap at the end of the year!

        Meanwhile, there is also the exciting news of the Pantone® colour of the year. And 2024 is a special year as it marks 25 years of this momentous trend movement.

        Recently, when the Spring 2024 colours were published, my guess for the colour of the year was for a bold sunny orange (as we haven’t had an orange since 2012). Now whilst this week’s announcement is for a slightly more pastel version, I’m claiming that my prediction for an orange tone was pretty near the mark.

        Peach Fuzz 13-1023

        Pantone® have announced that Pantone® 13-1023 Peach Fuzz is the colour of the year for 2024, somewhere between a pale pink and orange colour.

        Peach Fuzz has been described by Pantone® as “a gentle and nurturing peach shade that serves as a reminder to slow down and care for ourselves and one another. The romantic color’s name reflects the tactile sensuality associated with the hue: velvety peaches, soft marabou feathers, and smooth vintage satins and silks all come to mind when thinking about the pink and orange combo.”

        The Pantone Color Institute’s executive director Leatrice Eiseman points out that the “delicate shade summons viewers to the human experience, with an emphasis on the importance of health and wellness for mind, body, and soul. From the warm colors of a sunrise or sunset to the coziness of a fuzzy blanket, the color affirms moments of internal tranquillity with the deep need for community, gathering, and connection.”

        25 years of Pantone®

        Orange is no stranger to being the colour of the year with a bright shade of Living Coral in 2019, a deeper Tangerine Tango in 2012, a pale Sand Dollar in 2006, plus Tiger Lily back in 2004.

        There have also been some sunny yellows over the years in the form of Illuminating in 2021 and Mimosa in 2009.

        Spring 2024 predictions

        Once again, this colour doesn’t appear exactly in any of their seasonal predictions, although there were a number of yellow and orange sunset colours at both New York and London Fashion Weeks including Rooibos Tea, Orangeade, Lemon Drop, Spicy Mustard, Sun Orange, Fiesta and Charlock.

        Protection

        What does the name of the colour of the year mean? Well, there are over 300 varieties of peaches. And the fruit is deemed very important in Chinese culture as it can symbolise fertility and long life. The fuzz on peaches is actually a form of protection as it repels excess water away from the skin to stop it rotting prematurely. Additionally the fuzzy texture keeps insects away to stop them from destroying the fruit.

        Cheeky

        Peach Fuzz wouldn’t be out of place as the name for a cooling peach schnapps drink over a glassful of ice. Likewise, the peach emoji can also signify another way of saying ‘bottom’ on social media. And sometimes it can refer to the soft fine unwanted hair on cheeks.

        Blush tones

        But to me, this colour of the year for 2024 feels soft, romantic and peaceful. A beautiful warm sunset over clouds. It appears as lights as a feather, like a stick of candy floss at the beach or a full puffball netting skirt billowing in the wind.

        Peaches and cream

        There are so many wonderful sayings with the word ‘peach’ in them which usually mean something good about life. The expression has come to mean something which is particularly good or sweet, such as ‘Everything is peachy!’

        Looks like Peach Fuzz will bring a relaxing and peaceful vibe for 2024 – with a touch of cheekiness!

        #COY2024

        Top Spring 2024 colours from Pantone®

        Top Spring 2024 colours from Pantone®

        Spring 2024

        Following the recent fashion weeks, Pantone® have revealed the Spring/Summer colours to look out for in 2024 including 10 seasonal colours alongside 5 neutral classics.

        The seasonal colours feel like a refreshing palette cleansing selection full of the warming sun, cooling drinks relaxing in tropical climes.

        The Pantone Color Institute’s executive director Leatrice Eiseman said “Colours for Spring/Summer 2024 are infused with a hint of nostalgia yet at the same time speak to transformation as we embrace a more positive way of living. A new sense of freedom is reflected in this palette of evocative yet familiar tones that open the door to the exploration of our creative potential to re-visualise the future.”

        “Colours for NYFW Spring 2024 inspire feelings of release. Opening the imagination and amplifying and liberating our own unique artistic spirit, they enable us to express ourselves in more inventive ways”.

        warming

        On a cold autumnal night, sometimes the only thing that is warming is clutching a hot tea in front of the fire and we can only dream of warmer weather.

        These Spring colours evoke the sunny weather ahead in the form of fragrant citrus fruits as well as spicy mustards and chutneys to warm from the inside.

        cooling 

        The pastel palette of greens, pink, blue, lilac and lemon are so cooling and refreshing like a mint filled mojito drink, enjoyed lying in a hammock beside sun bleached houses painted in these faded shades.

        tropical  

        These Spring colours once again evoke beautiful summer holiday destination aspirations. With bold blues, coral, lavender and blazing sunshine.

        Spring 2024 colours

        The top ten colours for Spring 2024 from NYFW are:
        • 18-1355 Rooibos Tea
        • 17-1461 Orangeade
        • 17-0220 Watercress
        • 15-1435 Desert Flower
        • 15-4030 Chambray Blue
        • 14-3812 Pastel Lilac
        • 18-3932 Marlin
        • 12-0736 Lemon Drop
        • 16-5938 Mint
        • 15-4722 Capri

        Spring 2024 extra colours from LFW

        In the main, the colours are repeated at London Fashion Week, albeit with darker shades of blues and greens at LFW.

        The focus shifts from the cooling pinks and purples of NYFW to warming yellow and orange colours at London Fashion Week.

        Here are the colours from LFW to round off the colours for Spring 2024:

        • 16-4427 Horizon Blue
        • 18-4051 Strong Blue
        • 19-5408 Bistro Green
        • 14-0952 Spicy Mustard
        • 18-1433 Chutney
        • 16-1257 Sun Orange
        • 17-1564 Fiesta
        • 12-0530 Charlock
        • 15-1905 Burnished Lilac
        • 15-0326 Tarragon

        Neutral classics

        Pantone® have also updated the Classic Colour Palette. These neutrals are core basics in the form of a white, creams, beige, greys and black. They feel like rainy day classics – perfect grounding colours and peaceful additional accompanying colours.

        The bonus classic neutral colours for Spring 2024 are: 

        • 11-4001 Brilliant White
        • 14-1305 Mushroom
        • 14-4104 Northern Droplet
        • 18-4006 Quiet Shade
        • 16-1317 Brush

        And at LFW these are:

        • 11-4001 Brilliant White
        • 18-3906 Boulevard
        • 13-0611 Moth
        • 19-3713 Deep Well
        • 14-4804 Blue Fox

        Colour themes

        Colour plays an important part in our lives and it’ll be interesting to see how these colours filter through to influence things around us.

        Pantone® is the world-renowned authority on colour and the Pantone® Color of the Year is always really influential in any popular colour themes in fashion, interior design and weddings.

        Look out for my report when the 2024 colour of the year is released later in the year. My guess is for a bold sunny orange – we haven’t had an orange since 2012.

        Top Autumn 2023 colours from Pantone®

        Top Autumn 2023 colours from Pantone®

        Shortages

        At the time of writing, some vegetables are being rationed at some supermarkets due to poor weather in the countries where the produce is grown. We just for granted that whatever the season and time of year, that we can have any type of possible fruit or vegetable. We are disappointed not to be able to buy tomatoes at the moment but realistically they aren’t really in season.

        Since lockdown and more so in recent times of economic uncertainty and a cost of living crisis, it has become apparent and more important to me that we should eat seasonally, buy locally and even grow our own produce. To not only help our pockets but to make sustainable choices for the environment too.

        Paralleled with this, for Lent I had decided to ‘give’ this year, rather than ‘give up’. Like I did at Christmas with a reverse advent calendar, I am giving something each day of Lent to the local foodbank.

        Autumn 2023 colours

        All these thoughts of seasons is quite timely, as whilst we are on the brink of Spring, my thoughts are drawn to the end of the year with recent fashion weeks in New York, London and Milan this month, and Paris next month.

        From these fashion weeks, Pantone® have predicted 10 colours that they think will be prevalent in Autumn/Winter 2023/24 which all evoke an earthy, back to nature vibe in keeping with my current food seasonality thoughts.

        Forest school

        Nothing quite beats a crisp morning surrounded by nature. With trees sheltering you away from technology, away from noise, away from any stresses. Just exploring and being present. Then warming up round a roaring fire, cradling a warm mug of hot chocolate. Some of the colours ooze autumnal vibes, like the changing colours of the leaves as they fall from the trees. With reds, burnt oranges, browns and yellows flickers of the fire.

        Winter getaway

        These warming colours are contrasted with the icy cold winter days of a winter skiing scene, such as turquoise, lilac and bright blues reminiscent of cloudless skies and mountain ranges.

        Fresh vegetables

        Finally, there is a sense of freshness in the cool green shades eluding to any harvesting crops perhaps of Kohlrabi (which is in season now), Olive Oil and Sharp Green.

        Fall 2023 colours 

        The top ten colours for Fall 2023 from New York Fashion Week are:
        • PANTONE 12-0912 Tender Peach
        • PANTONE 17-2624 Rose Violet
        • PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta
        • PANTONE 17-1464 Red Orange
        • PANTONE 19-1555 Red Dahlia
        • PANTONE 13-0751 High Visibility
        • PANTONE 17-3934 Persian Jewel
        • PANTONE 13-6030 Carnival Glass
        • PANTONE 17-1544 Burnt Sienna
        • PANTONE 14-0255 Kohlrabi

        Fall 2023 extra colours from LFW

        Most of the colours have the same vibe at London Fashion Week, with some slightly different hues. The noticeable differences were the oranges at NYFW (of Tender Peach and Red Orange) which were replaced with a purple and bright blue at LFW.

        Here are the colours for Fall 2023 from LFW:

        • PANTONE 16-1544 Persimmon
        • PANTONE 15-1624 Conch Shell
        • PANTONE 18-1664 Fiery Red
        • PANTONE 19-1337 Fired Brick
        • PANTONE 13-0535 Sharp Green
        • PANTONE 14-3921 Lacecap Hydrangea
        • PANTONE 14-0957 Spectra Yellow
        • PANTONE 16-0847 Olive Oil
        • PANTONE 19-3336 Sparkling Grape
        • PANTONE 16-4535 Blue Atoll

        Neutral basics

        Pantone® have also created a Fall 2023 Classic Colour Palette. These are a group of neutrals that are core basics in the form of white, navy, an earthy brown, light grey, plus a rich beige.

        The bonus classic neutral colours for Fall 2023 from NYFW are:

        • PANTONE 11-0608 Coconut Milk
        • PANTONE 19-3810 Eclipse
        • PANTONE 19-0913 Hot Fudge
        • PANTONE 13-4403 Silver Birch
        • PANTONE 16-1333 Doe

          The Fall 2023 Classic Colour Palette at London Fashion Week swapped out the navy and earthy brown, for a dark forest green and a dark grey. They are:

          • PANTONE 15-1216 Pale Khaki
          • PANTONE 19-0414 Forest Night
          • PANTONE 13-4108 Nimbus Cloud
          • PANTONE 12-0703 Seedpearl
          • PANTONE 18-0202 Lava Smoke

              Colour themes

              Colour plays an important part in our lives and it’ll be interesting to see how these colours filter through to influence things around us.

              Pantone® is the world-renowned authority on colour and the Pantone® Color of the Year is always really influential in any popular colour themes in fashion, interior design and weddings.

              Pantone® announce the Color of the Year 2023

              Pantone® announce the Color of the Year 2023

              Pantone® Colour of the Year 2023

              December is a super busy month in our household, with all the obvious build up to Christmas and all that entails (like several Christmas concerts today) but it is also birthday for two of my children!

              In amongst all that craziness, is the excitement of the announcement of the Pantone® colour of the year.

              Back when the Spring colours were published during the fashion weeks in September, my guess was for a bright green like Love Bird to be the colour of the year for 2023. After all we haven’t had a green since 2017.

              Viva Magenta 18-1750

              Instead, Pantone® have announced that Pantone® 18-1750 Viva Magenta will be the colour of the year for 2023, a bold raspberry pink colour. Ironically, on the day it was announced that was also the colour that my nails were painted. Maybe I subliminally knew anyway!

              It feels like an evolution from the calming, Classic Blue of 2020, to the vibrant Very Peri purple of 2022, and now a vivacious bright red/pink colour for 2023.

              Pink is no stranger to the colour of the year with a pale pink of Rose Quartz in 2016, and two more daring pinks as Honeysuckle in 2011 and Fuchsia Rose in 2001.

              There have also been no shortage of red shades to boost our confidence over the years in the form of Marsala in 2015, Chilli Pepper in 2007 and True Red in 2002.

              Spring 2023 predictions

              Once again, this exact colour doesn’t appear in any of their seasonal predictions, although there were a number of bright red, purple and pink colours at both New York and London Fashion Weeks (including Beetroot Purple 18-2143).

              Full of life

              Viva Magenta has been described by colour company Pantone® as “a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength”. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of Pantone® Color Institute said that the Colour of the Year for 2023 “vibrates with vim and vigor. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.”

               

              “Pantone’s Color of the Year, Viva Magenta 18-1750 is powerful and empowering. It is a new animated red that revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint, an electrifying, and a boundaryless shade that is manifesting as a stand-out statement. Viva Magenta welcomes anyone and everyone with the same verve for life and rebellious spirit. It is a color that is audacious, full of wit and inclusive of all.”

               

              “Viva Magenta descends from the red family, and is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes belonging to the natural dye family as well as one of the strongest and brightest the world has known.”

              At this time of the year, I’d be quite happy to hibernate and hide away but maybe it is time for a renewed vitality and to get back out there and enjoy life again. Looks like Viva Magenta will give us the much needed boost of energy for 2023.

              #COY2023

              Top Spring 2023 colours from Pantone®

              Top Spring 2023 colours from Pantone®

              Grey clouds 

              It has been a strange start to the new academic year. I’m usually fired up and ready to start afresh with new vigour and enthusiasm. I was all raring to go when the children when back to school (even though the weather had taken a sudden noise dive towards autumn without the usual tailing out of sunny days.) It was strange to be by myself after having someone around me for the last 11 weeks (due to a string of illnesses before the summer holidays) so I was determined to crack on with the ever expanding to do list. 

              And then came the very sad news out of the blue that our Queen, of 70 years, had sadly passed away.

              Rainbows in the sky 

              I was surprised by how I felt about the news and the emotions that I went through. It makes me so sad thinking about there being no Queen and it was like losing another Nan all over again.  The weather was dull, grey and rainy on the day that she died and then somewhat symbolically a double rainbow arched the sky that evening.  

              And a beautiful array of rainbow colours pretty well sums up the latest Pantone® announcement that predicts the colours for next year’s Spring and Summer. 

              Spring 2023 

              Following the fashion weeks, Pantone® have revealed the Spring/Summer colours to look out for in 2023 including 10 seasonal colours alongside 5 neutral classics.  

              There is an abundance of bright rainbow colours with a wonderful tropical vibe, alongside some soothing pastels.  

              The Pantone Color Institute’s executive director Leatrice Eiseman said “Colours for Spring/Summer 2023 are recalibrated for the new era we are entering. Blending escapism with reality, wholesomeness, and joy, we embrace the exploration of extreme contrast in mood and colour”. 

              Send her victorious  

              For me, many of the colours remind me of how bold the Queen always used to dress in her matching hats and jackets in bright colours. She often wore a solid colour from head to toe so that she stood out and was easily visible. You never caught her wearing a depressing colour.  

              Colours like Empire Yellow, Classic Green, and Beetroot Purple are perfect examples of colours that would have been great as outfits fit for the Queen. 

              Queen Elizabeth II was famed for saying, “If I wore beige, nobody would know who I am.” 

              Stand out rainbow colours 

              The rainbow colours give such a positive outlook for next year and you can clearly spot a complete rainbow in the Spring line up of colours: 

              • Red – Fiery Red
              • Orange – Tangelo
              • Yellow – Empire Yellow
              • Green – Classic Green
              • Blue – Summer Song
              • Indigo – Blue Perennial
              • Violet – Spring Crocus

              Tropical island 

              Having had a wonderful summer this year, I can’t wait for another holiday next year and these colours exude travels to an exotic island far away. With clear blue waters, coral reefs, cloudless skies and the sun blazing down.

              With colours such as Iced Mango as a mouth-watering sorbet and the vibrant feathers of a Love Bird or Andean Toucan. Paired alongside some neutral colours for a true coastal chic look.  

              Spring 2023 colours

              The top ten colours for Spring 2023 from NYFW are:
              • Beetroot Purple 18-2143
              • Empire Yellow 14-0756
              • Crystal Rose 12-1708
              • Fiery Red 18-1664
              • Blue Perennial 16-4036
              • Classic Green 16-6340
              • Peach Pink 15-1530
              • Tangelo 15-1335
              • Summer Song 14-4316
              • Love Bird 13-0443

              Spring 2023 extra colours from LFW

              In the main the colours are repeated at London Fashion Week, albeit in lighter shades of yellow, red, orange and pale blue. However the emphasis shifts from the pink of New York Fashion Week to purple at London Fashion Week in the shape of Spring Crocus. The blues of LFW are also much more vibrant than those at NYW with Electric Blue Lemonade.

              Here are the colours from LFW to round off the colours for Spring 2023:

              • Cherry Tomato 17-1563
              • Persimmon 16-1544
              • Iced Mango 14-1140
              • Blazing Yellow 12-0643
              • Titanite 16-0229
              • Andean Toucan 16-6230
              • Airy Blue 14-4122
              • Electric Blue Lemonade 18-4245
              • Spring Crocus 17-3020
              • Pink Cosmos 16-2122

               

              Neutral classics

              Pantone® have also updated the Classic Colour Palette. These are a group of neutrals that are core basics in the form of a coffee, khaki green, light grey, cream and blue. Perfect grounding colours and perfect peaceful additional colours for weddings. 

              The bonus classic neutral colours for Spring 2023 are: 

              • Macchiato 17-1221
              • Leek Green 15-0628
              • Gray Lilac 13-3804
              • Vanilla Cream 12-1009
              • Skylight 12-4604

              And at LFW these are:

              • Oyster Mushroom 13-4201
              • Grayed Jade 14-6011
              • Tender Peach 12-0912
              • Mocha Mousse 17-1230
              • Bluing 19-3954

              Colour themes

              Colour plays an important part in our lives and it’ll be interesting to see how these colours filter through to influence things around us.

              Pantone® is the world-renowned authority on colour and the Pantone® Color of the Year is always really influential in any popular colour themes in fashion, interior design and weddings.

              Look out for my report when the 2023 colour of the year is released later in the year. My guess is for a bright green of Love Bird – we haven’t had a green since 2017 so feels fitting. And definitely a colour the Queen would have worn.  

              “We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return. We will be without friends again. We will be with our families again. We will meet again.” Queen Elizabeth II 2020 

              Top Autumn 2022 colours from Pantone®

              Top Autumn 2022 colours from Pantone®

              Change of season

              It’s coming up to the Spring equinox this weekend and it definitely feels like the seasons are shifting with the very welcome return of sunnier weather and longer days.
              I feel like I’ve lost a whole month – February was a complete right off for me. So it’s quite a shock to be in March already!

              With the change in season, comes the start of the ‘social season’ in spring and summer when it was traditional for members of the upper class to change their residence (from their country houses to London) in order to attend events of the season.

              These events include Cheltenham Festival (March), the Grand National (April), The Boat Race (April), Badminton Horse Trials (May), Chelsea Flower Show (May), Epsom Derby (June), Royal Ascot (June), Cricket test matches at Lord’s (July), Wimbledon (July), Henley Royal Regatta (July), Edinburgh International Festival (August) , Cowes week (August), the Proms (July-September) and ending with Goodwood Revival (September).

              Historically the ‘London season’ events would’ve coincided with political business in the city and conclude when the elite would return to their country homes for the beginning of the shooting season on 12th August.

              Autumn 2022 colours

              Whilst we enter the beautiful and hopeful season of Spring, my thoughts drift to the cooler months at the end of the year with the recent fashion weeks in New York, London and Milan last month, then Paris earlier this month. It was good to see them back to being in person again this year (although only via invite only this time).

              From these fashion weeks, Pantone® have predicted 10 colours that they think will be prevalent in Autumn/Winter 2022/23.

              Fiery

              There are some really bright and bold colours to make a statement this autumn that are reminiscent of a roaring fire on Guy Fawkes night. Or for me, they evoke memories of the recent Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games held in Beijing. The fiery red (Lava Falls) feels similar to the Chinese flag and the Orange Tiger provides a nod to the Year of the Tiger which was marked recently for Chinese New Year.

              Polar

              I’ve loved watching all the winter sports coverage and a number of the colours conjure up images of cold winters on the piste (or equally on a dark polar night) such as an icy turquoise (Watersprout), a pale pink (Nosegay) and the dark navy blue night sky of Midnight.

              Rainforest

              Lastly, there is a real grounding of some earthy, natural colours that would be happily found in a luscious rainforest including greens of Amazon and Martini, along with a rich brown (Caramel).

              Fall 2022 colours 

              The top ten colours for Fall 2022 from New York Fashion Week are:
              • Pantone 18-1552 Lava Falls
              • Pantone 14-0852 Samoan Sun
              • Pantone 16-1358 Orange Tiger
              • Pantone 17-2624 Rose Violet
              • Pantone 18-6024 Amazon
              • Pantone 14-2806 Nosegay
              • Pantone 14-4618 Waterspout
              • Pantone 18-1148 Caramel Café
              • Pantone 19-4127 Midnight
              • Pantone 18-0625 Martini Olive 

              Fall 2022 extra colours from LFW

              They may have different names but in the main the colours are repeated at London Fashion Week, with Watersprout apparent at both. There was one additional colour (instead of the bright pink from NYFW) to round off the colours for Fall 2022 in the form of the purple of Meadow Violet (similar to the current colour of the year, Very Peri).

              Neutral classics

              Pantone® have also created a Fall 2022 Classic Colour Palette. These are a group of neutrals that are core basics in the form of white, cream, dark and light grey, plus khaki green.

              The bonus classic neutral colours for Fall 2022 are:

              • Pantone 12-0602 Arctic Wolf
              • Pantone 12-0813 Autumn Blonde
              • Pantone 19-4105 Polar Night
              • Pantone 17-0210 Loden Frost
              • Pantone 16-3917 Chiseled Stone

                Colour themes

                Colour plays an important part in our lives and it’ll be interesting to see how these colours filter through to influence things around us.

                Pantone® is the world-renowned authority on colour and the Pantone® Color of the Year is always really influential in any popular colour themes in fashion, interior design and weddings.