Time for a New Year colour update? Emerald is the gem to covet for 2013, says Lisa Haynes

FORGET the January blues. The colour of the month – and indeed 2013 – is green. The powers that be at the Pantone Colour Institute HQ have spoken and declared Emerald (shade 17-5641 to be exact) this year’s jewel in the colour crown.

Described as a ‘‘lively, radiant, lush green’’, the hue has stormed both the red carpets and international catwalks, making it an accessible colour trend to replicate on both the clothing rails and beauty counters.

‘‘Symbolically, emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation,’’ says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute. ‘‘This powerful and universally-appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and beauty.’’ If you’re in any doubt about finding just the right emerald tone, cast your eyes over Gucci’s green. Models sashayed down the 2012 catwalk in a hypnotic opulent jewel shade, while Burberry Prorsum sweetened up their spring/summer 2013 show with a metallic Quality Street-inspired green. ‘‘Make emerald your new black,’’ suggests Veronique Henderson, creative director at Colour Me Beautiful.

If it’s eveningwear you’re after, be aware that emerald tones differ radically depending on the fabric. Henderson advises: ‘‘A shiny silk, brocade, or velvet – in fact, all fabrics which reflect light and sparkle – will show emerald at its most brilliant.’’ Those with clear colourings (a high contrast between hair, eye and skin tone) will especially dazzle in bright shiny emerald that is made for evening glamour. ‘‘Just visualise Dita Von Teese in emerald – it would be electric,’’ Henderson says.

Jewel greens on linen, cotton or wool will appear softer and matte, perfect for office attire or weekend casualwear.

While the catwalks created a dramatic impact by flaunting head-to-toe emerald, practicality suggests the Green Giant look won’t work for most of us day-to-day. Henderson suggests: ‘‘Whether for work or leisure, mixing emerald with other shades from your palette will allow you to achieve a look that is both personal and current.’’ For the truly colour-shy, a subtle flash of emerald is all you need to give the colour of 2013 the green light. ‘‘An emerald handbag, heels, or even a scarf tied to the handle of a neutral shade handbag will bring you bang up-todate with our Pantone friends,’’ says Henderson.

How to wear emerald

Pantone’s 2013 emerald pick is a universal shade meaning it’s suited to all colourings.

Colour Me Beautiful’s Veronique Henderson has this styling advice:

  • Cate Blanchett lookalikes (blonde, pale, blue eyes) can wear their emerald with other pale shades – think pastel pink or even cocoa.
  • Penelope Cruz types (dark hair, dark eyes) can wear their emerald with lime, bittersweet reds and even black.
  • Christina Hendricks colourings (golden skin, red hair) will look gorgeous in emerald and could create some interesting looks when mixed with primrose yellows or tangerine shades.
  • Judi Dench dames (blue eyes, grey hair) will look wonderful in emerald mixed with pale greys for an elegant look.
  • Kate Middleton princesses (bright eyes, dark hair) will look striking wearing the sparkliest of emerald. To introduce another colour try mint shades, or black or white for contrast.
  • Kim Cattrall starlets (highlighted hair, muted eyes) will need to make their emerald less sparkly and more muted so that it does not take the shine off you. Wear it with sage or jade greens.