It’s been in ALL the news. Radiant orchid is the new “it” colour.

But where is it in stores?

The problem with Pantone creating a stir each year with its self-proclaimed “colour of the year” is that there is no relation between its choices and fashion industry. Typically, colour trends in fashion are selected 2-3 years out. Fabric designers have to create the textiles, fashion designers have to select the fabrics and factories have to turn them into clothes. The whole process takes a while, and so when Pantone procliams a colour of the year, it’s years after the fashion industry has made its selections.

That’s why you’ll see fast fashion, cosmetics, nail polish and accessories hustling to play catch-up. And why you won’t find any radiant orchid fashions in designer labels any time soon.

Given the mixed reactions people seem to have to radiant orchid, it’s probably for the best. If you want to incorporate this colour into your wardrobe, choose inexpensive ways to do so – nail polish, earrings or a bracelet. That way you won’t have invested heavily in a colour that doesn’t have any staying power. After all, it’s mere months until Pantone announces its next colour of the year.