The votes are in. Pantone has announced their color of 2014 – Radiant Orchid.

Radiant Orchid is just as you would imagine – somewhere between a bright pink and light purple. It is a true reflection of current fashion trends and an extension of the pink explosion we have seen this year.

As a creative agency, when Pantone speaks, we definitely listen. But, the color of the year choice is never a real surprise. It always comes down to a chicken v. egg scenario: will Radiant Orchid be hot in 2014 because Pantone says it will or is Pantone picking up on fashion cues in society?

This year Pantone is definitely picking up on societal cues. Fluorescents and pinks have been hot for years in athletic gear – even jumping the gender barrier with our culture’s gladiators leading the way every October.

We started seeing the influence of bright colors in fashion earlier this year and we’re even beginning to see these palettes reflected in home décor and design as well. As an example, Keurig is using radiant orchid on its MINI Plus Brewing System single-serve coffee machine, which is due out in stores in early February.

Will radiant orchid be adapted into our work in 2014? As designers, we must always be cognizant of trends. And while we want our work to be fashionable and relevant, we also must strive to create work that is timeless.

So, congratulations Pantone 18-3224. Enjoy your year.