Color of the Year for 2011: Honeysuckle

According to leading color guide Pantone, 18-2120 Honeysuckle, a dynamic reddish pink, will be defining the mood of 2011 given its "uplifting" qualities.

The official report was released to the media on December 9. In it, Pantone Color Institute Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman says, "In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color, that gets the adrenaline going- perfect to ward off the blues."

The hue's uplifting effect is attributed to the fact that its mother color is red, the most "physical, viscerally alive hue int he spectrum." It is a stark contrast to last year's color fo the year- cool, serene Turquoise. "While the 2010 color of the year, Pantone 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor," said Eiseman.

The color translates especially well into fashion, cosmetics, and interiors due to its ability to liven up any drab ensemble or barren room. In particular, Pantone experts imagine the color to work well on women's apparel and accessories, as well as on men's ties, shirts and sportswear.

Honeysuckle was not only selected as Pantone's 2011 Color of the Year, but was also chosen as the defining hue for spring 2011. Indeed, everyone from the upscale American label Cynthia Steffe to the Swedish "fast fashion" giant H&M has incorporated the Honeysuckle hue into their spring 2011 ready-to-wear lines.

For more than a decade, Pantone's Color of the Year declarations have influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries including fashion, home and industrial design.

Here are the trending colors from the past decade:

2000: Cerulean

2001: Fuchsia Rose

2002: True Red

2003: Aqua Sky

2004: Tigerlily

2005: Blue Turquoise

2006: Sand Dollar

2007: Chili Pepper

2008: Blue Iris

2009: Mimosa

2010: Turquoise

Source: http://www.pantone.com/