And the Color of the Year Is …

… “Radiant Orchid.” According to Pantone, which picked this shade as the No. 1 hue of 2014. “It is an expressive, creative and embracing purple,” according to the institute, “one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.” It also “emanates great joy, love and health.”

Color us believers, because we ordered a dress in a very similar shade from Banana Republic just a few days ago, and it’s already sold out. 

This lovely lavender marks a switch from 2013’s Color of the Year, Emerald, which served as “a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity.” Wonder how that worked out. 

UPDATE: Well, well, well — seems a trend is indeed emerging. The Sherwin-Williams “Color of the Year” for 2014, “Exclusive Plum,” is a duskier take on the orchid shade that Pantone’s digging right now. We’re loving it on the walls of this dreamy bedroom suite. It’s a purple reign!