If you’re wondering what colors and textures will be hot within the coming months, “Wonder” no more. Subdued dark tones that combine pinks, reds, oranges, greens, and purples with shades of gray and black are still popular, but with a sophisticated twist. Think old world oil paintings and you will be on the right track. Balanced with the expected “Goth” influence there is a renewed sense of optimism inspired by organic colors and textures found in the sciences such as biology and geology. Clothing designers will be using a lot of textured fabrics with metallic surfaces or details. On a somewhat weird note, buttery leather and fake leather with animal skin and even apparently human skin textures are very hot. White gets a refresh in offwhite tones that balance against all those brooding old world colors and funky metallics. To turn all of this on its head, inject bright colors such as yellows, oranges, and red/pinks to catch attention.
The full range of greens is still very hot, but expect to see both more high energy greens such as lime and more natural mossy greens. Greens are fast becoming neutrals, especially those on the more natural end of brown, gray, or black to balance out all the brighter colors and metallics.
Prepare to push the limits of the fantastical in colors, shapes, and design elements. Inspiration drawn from nature is still popular here (feathers, shells, wood) but the introduction of grayed out purples, blues, and pinks will set a more contemplative tone to balance more outrageous shapes and textures.
What happens in the fashion world affects the graphic design world and vice versa. This will most immediately be felt in areas where they naturally blend, such as t-shirt designers and indie crafters. Don’t be surprised though to see a resurgence in textured treatments for business cards and more organic shapes and colors.
