Soft and warm, pale yet striking, almost a neutral shade of pink – ‘Peach Fuzz’ is Panton’s Color of the Year, and here’s how impeccably the fashion world has already jumped onto the bandwagon with enthralling iterations of the hue.
If you can instantly recall the iconic scene from Devil Wears Prada – where the frightful Miranda Priestly recognises Anne Hathway’s ‘lumpy blue sweater’ as Cerulean Blue – you might also remember the list of designers Miranda referred to, who made collections dedicated to that exact hue, like Oscar de la Renta and Yves Saint Laurent. Such is the power of colour in the magnanimous world of art and fashion. But did you also know that shade number 15-4020 Cerulean was, in fact, Pantone’s first-ever officially declared Colour of the Year?
Every year, Pantone – the universal colour guide – predicts a ‘Color of the Year’ that reflects the spirit of the time, depending on the social and economic factors across the globe. Various fashion and design stalwarts then employ this shade to create the most trendsetting items of the season. Earlier, every studio and every designer produced a different pink, orange and blue, but ever since Pantone devised the first colour-matching system in 1963, each shade has been recognised exactly the same worldwide. Last year, 18-1750 Viva Magenta was declared as the colour of 2023. Bold and fearless, it symbolised people’s rebellious verve for life in the post-pandemic world. The hue’s unconventional nature referred to the world’s sudden rapid pace at the time. However, 2024’s Colour of the Year is quite the opposite; soft, pale and warm, 13-1023 Peach Fuzz is nothing like its predecessor!
According to the Pantone Color Institute executive director, Leatrice Eiseman, Peach Fuzz “echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection”. The shade she believes will influence all industries this year is closely associated with compassion and optimism. Perched amidst shades of light pink, peach and orange, 2024’s Color of the Year perfectly fits the spring-summer palette with its pastel hue and timeless elegance. Bright yet not too bright – pale yet not dull – Peach Fuzz is an exceptional shade that can be incorporated into your wardrobe, makeup stash, and accessories – and here is your guide to doing so.
In Your Closet
Pantone’s annual colour – Peach Fuzz – is a peppy shade that will inject the perfect amount of dopamine into your spring/summer closet. In fact, the delicate appeal of the colour makes it perfect for minimalists who still like to hop on the bandwagon of trends. As the season of garden parties and mimosa-filled brunches under the sun approaches us, let a strapless mini dress from Stella McCartney’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection be your inspiration. Featuring structured drapes and tonal fringe details, this piece is perfect for style savants who want to make a (not so) subtle statement! But in case you are feeling audacious and want to fully embrace the spirit of the season, Balmain’s theatrical ruffle dress with specks of yellow should be your pick. Spotted on the spring/summer runway, Patou’s blazer set on the other hand, offers a more formal twist on the trend – apt for ones who love structured clothing. Exuding a “vintage vibe”, as expressed by Pantone, Peach Fuzz also deserves a place in your vacation wardrobe – especially if it is a flowy draped gown like the one by Roksanda. When trying out this trend for the first time, we suggest contrasting it with darker shades like chocolate brown, maroon and black that will bring out the best of this peachy hue.
The Accessory Route
Incorporating Peach Fuzz into your accessories can be a subtle yet statement-making way to flaunt the trend. If you are a true-blue sneakers’ girl, invest in a pair from the Cariuma x Pantone collection. Wear it with blue denims and a shite shirt or with your floral sundresses – they will never disappoint. The Minerva Feather-Trim Satin Sandals from Loeffler Randall is another impeccable way to literally step into the colour trend! Featuring a sleep buckle strap, these heels are so elegant, we bet Carrie Bradshaw must have one of these in her shoe closet. But if you’re betting on bags this season, the Saint Laurent Monogram Clutch should be your pick. Chic and compact, it can be worn from brunches to parties, and can fit all your essentials at the same time.
However, when curating your accessories collection, nothing beats investment watches! To stride along with the Peach Fuzz season, splurge on the Captain Cook Marina Hoermanseder from Rado. In fact, this sleek and feminine wrist-charm is a must-have pastel piece that can be styled all throughout the year. Lastly, complete your Peach Fuzz look with the perfect jewellery like BaubleBar’s feather danglers. You can also opt for peach enamel hoops but whichever you choose, always look for pieces that you can go back to again and again – even after the trend fades away.
Blithesome Beauty
This trend is the perfect excuse to sport that peachy glow during summers, if you are hesitant to add Peach Fuzz to your wardrobe yet tempted to try out the trend. While this shade might come off as unfriendly to all skin tones, the correct products will lend just the right amount of tint to your look. But that does not necessarily mean you need to use all peach-toned products – mixing and matching is the way forward! Think of bronze eyes paired with a peach-pink lip that you can achieve with the Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick in shade Coralberry. Top it off with Chanel’s Rouge Coco Gloss in Physical to get that fruity, punchy spring look. However, if you are reluctant to sport this on the lips, go for a timeless, fail-safe peachy blush that is best for garnering compliments! The Cloud Paint Gel Cream Blush in Beam is great for getting that flushed look on the go, whereas, the Peachy Love blush trio by Anastasia Beverly Hills will help you get a more matte-fresh look. In case you want to take the trend to your eyelids, the MAC Samoa Silk eyeshadow is the perfect pick. You can also go ahead and add some shimmer with MAC’s Dazzleshadow in shade EXTREME.
Although the nature of trends is to come and go inexorably, Peach Fuzz’s vintage, youthful and neutral suit makes it a timeless shade to have in your wardrobe. Whether you wear the Color of the Year in the form of a dress, a hat or a bag – the hue will remain constant in the spring/summer palettes all across the globe for years. Do not wish to make heavy investments but still want to hop on the trend? No problem – going with peach-hued beauty products is the way to go. Right from the onset of spring to the end of sunny days – nothing beats the beguiling effect of a flushed glow. So put your doubts aside and get peachy!