Tangerine orange identified as color of the year by Pantone

photo A vibrant shade of orange called tangerine tango has been identifield as Pantone's 2012 color of the year. Pictured is a dinnerware set by Fiesta.

Orange will be showing up on more than Tennessee sweatshirts this year.

A vibrant shade, called tangerine tango, has been identified as the color of the year by Pantone, a global authority on color and provider of professional color standards to design industries.

Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone Color Institute's executive director, described the color as sophisticated, dramatic and seductive -- "an orange with a lot of depth to it."

"Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, tangerine tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy," she said.

According to a news release, the selection of a color of the year "is a very thoughtful process."

"To arrive at the selection, Pantone combs the world looking for color influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films that are in production, traveling art collections, hot new artists, popular travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from technology, availability of new textures and effects that impact color and even upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention."

Consumers will notice the color in clothing and home decor. Designers featured in the Pantone Fashion Color Report, including Tommy Hilfiger, Nanette Lepore, Cynthia Steffe by Shaun Kearney, Elie Tahari and Adrienne Vittadini, are incorporating tango tangerine into their spring collections.

How To Wear It

Makeup artist/aesthetician Darin Wright, owner at Elea Blake Cosmetic Studio in Chattanooga, said the shade will be most flattering to people who look good in warm colors.

"It is bright but not over the top," she said. "It's actually quite wearable and would also be a great alternative for an accessory such as a purse, shoes or scarf. Don't dismiss adding a piece of jewelry in this tone as an accent piece."

For those who like the color but fear it won't look good on them, Wright suggests wearing it in moderation.

"Your best colors should always be worn next to your face; after that you're fine," she said. "I refer to this as the 80/20 rule. Eighty percent of your best colors should be worn next to your face; 20 percent from your breast bone down."

Emily Goodin, owner of Boutique Couture, a Chattanooga shop specializing in bridal, prom, evening and cocktail dresses, said the color is also appearing in formal attire.

"We have started to see brides asking for coral and tangerine for their weddings," she said. "We haven't seen as much orange for cocktail dresses but definitely in prom and bridesmaid gowns."

Goodin also offers tips to women who don't feel comfortable in shades of orange.

"If you're not one who wants to wear tangerine from head to toe, eye shadow and lip gloss or an accessory such as a chunky necklace or cocktail ring will allow you to dabble in this trend," she said.

"For everyday wear, color blocking (wearing two bright colors together) is a bold way to make a statement -- try coral and a bright blue or even a dark and a lighter shade of orange and you'll be spot on trend."

In The Home

Local designer Mary Jane Tallant Fitzgerald, owner of Tallanted Interiors, said tangerine tango is a striking color that is already showing up in home decor and designs.

"Tangerines mix well with lime and moss green for a calming effect," she said. "For a more modern chic look, try a blend of plum, eggplant and burgundies. Our clients are thrilled when wallpapers are applied using a metallic silver and gold background with a hint of tangerine and orange -- it's like a sunrise."

But stay away from black when using tangerine tango, she said.

"I hate black with tangerine," Fitzgerald said. "It looks like Halloween. Avoid at all cost."

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