The CSI team of colour experts manages the seasonal colour palettes of over 100 brands and retailers on an annual basis. Colours are selected from CSI’s Color Wall, Color Library or created through custom dyeing which represents over 10,000 colours.

Extensive database

CSI’s colour management process has created an extensive database of historical colour usage information. This year, CSI supported the development of around 900 colour palettes. Utilising their historical colour data, CSI launched in 2017 a proprietary colour validation process called relative colour popularity (RCP) index in their seasonal trends.

“Our Color Insights 2018 report is a unique colour forecast based on market research, historical colour data and our RCP index. We decided that our customers would benefit from receiving a palette of must-have colours for creating their 2018 seasonal colour palettes rather than an individual colour,” said Ron Pedemonte, Vice President Americas.

Key colours

The report highlights key colours that play an important role across categories. Blues remain classic, yet in 2018, they are expanding into cobalt blues from the depths of Indigo to bright bold accents with a red cast, giving it a new perspective against relevant workwear blues seen as washed down mid-tones.

Softer shades of purple become more sophisticated by evolving into a redder casted tone seen in lilac and mauve and warm muted blush tones to rich copper oranges; a modern twist to deep reds. Tinted neutrals emerge, becoming a solid foundation to a palette. Greens are complex, with nature’s influence giving a renewed interest in rich saturated emerald greens to dark forest pine with levels of youthful acidic tones crossing into gold yellows.

“There is a delicate balance with these colours. They are inspired by urban dwelling and nature’s forest, bringing our environment into our mindset and lifestyle,” commented Heather Sandwall, Color and Trend Director.

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