Shortages
At the time of writing, some vegetables are being rationed at some supermarkets due to poor weather in the countries where the produce is grown. We just for granted that whatever the season and time of year, that we can have any type of possible fruit or vegetable. We are disappointed not to be able to buy tomatoes at the moment but realistically they aren’t really in season.
Since lockdown and more so in recent times of economic uncertainty and a cost of living crisis, it has become apparent and more important to me that we should eat seasonally, buy locally and even grow our own produce. To not only help our pockets but to make sustainable choices for the environment too.
Paralleled with this, for Lent I had decided to ‘give’ this year, rather than ‘give up’. Like I did at Christmas with a reverse advent calendar, I am giving something each day of Lent to the local foodbank.
Autumn 2023 colours
All these thoughts of seasons is quite timely, as whilst we are on the brink of Spring, my thoughts are drawn to the end of the year with recent fashion weeks in New York, London and Milan this month, and Paris next month.
From these fashion weeks, Pantone® have predicted 10 colours that they think will be prevalent in Autumn/Winter 2023/24 which all evoke an earthy, back to nature vibe in keeping with my current food seasonality thoughts.
Forest school
Nothing quite beats a crisp morning surrounded by nature. With trees sheltering you away from technology, away from noise, away from any stresses. Just exploring and being present. Then warming up round a roaring fire, cradling a warm mug of hot chocolate. Some of the colours ooze autumnal vibes, like the changing colours of the leaves as they fall from the trees. With reds, burnt oranges, browns and yellows flickers of the fire.
Winter getaway
These warming colours are contrasted with the icy cold winter days of a winter skiing scene, such as turquoise, lilac and bright blues reminiscent of cloudless skies and mountain ranges.
Fresh vegetables
Finally, there is a sense of freshness in the cool green shades eluding to any harvesting crops perhaps of Kohlrabi (which is in season now), Olive Oil and Sharp Green.
Fall 2023 colours
- PANTONE 12-0912 Tender Peach
- PANTONE 17-2624 Rose Violet
- PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta
- PANTONE 17-1464 Red Orange
- PANTONE 19-1555 Red Dahlia
- PANTONE 13-0751 High Visibility
- PANTONE 17-3934 Persian Jewel
- PANTONE 13-6030 Carnival Glass
- PANTONE 17-1544 Burnt Sienna
- PANTONE 14-0255 Kohlrabi
Fall 2023 extra colours from LFW
Most of the colours have the same vibe at London Fashion Week, with some slightly different hues. The noticeable differences were the oranges at NYFW (of Tender Peach and Red Orange) which were replaced with a purple and bright blue at LFW.
Here are the colours for Fall 2023 from LFW:
- PANTONE 16-1544 Persimmon
- PANTONE 15-1624 Conch Shell
- PANTONE 18-1664 Fiery Red
- PANTONE 19-1337 Fired Brick
- PANTONE 13-0535 Sharp Green
- PANTONE 14-3921 Lacecap Hydrangea
- PANTONE 14-0957 Spectra Yellow
- PANTONE 16-0847 Olive Oil
- PANTONE 19-3336 Sparkling Grape
- PANTONE 16-4535 Blue Atoll
Neutral basics
Pantone® have also created a Fall 2023 Classic Colour Palette. These are a group of neutrals that are core basics in the form of white, navy, an earthy brown, light grey, plus a rich beige.
The bonus classic neutral colours for Fall 2023 from NYFW are:
- PANTONE 11-0608 Coconut Milk
- PANTONE 19-3810 Eclipse
- PANTONE 19-0913 Hot Fudge
- PANTONE 13-4403 Silver Birch
- PANTONE 16-1333 Doe
The Fall 2023 Classic Colour Palette at London Fashion Week swapped out the navy and earthy brown, for a dark forest green and a dark grey. They are:
- PANTONE 15-1216 Pale Khaki
- PANTONE 19-0414 Forest Night
- PANTONE 13-4108 Nimbus Cloud
- PANTONE 12-0703 Seedpearl
- PANTONE 18-0202 Lava Smoke
Colour themes
Colour plays an important part in our lives and it’ll be interesting to see how these colours filter through to influence things around us.
Pantone® is the world-renowned authority on colour and the Pantone® Color of the Year is always really influential in any popular colour themes in fashion, interior design and weddings.
