15-5519 (the Color Formerly Known as Turquoise)

by Martin Cho

Behold, you are now staring at the future! Pantone Color, long the official color authority for design professionals, has declared turquoise, no. 15-5519, the color of 2010. The choice, in reality, seems fitting and telling of the current signs of time: it is at once soothing and invigorating, evoking water and sky, or your next getaways to some far-off, tropical paradise. In more global terms, turquoise has long occupied a special place in many cultures as a protective talisman, signifying compassion and healing, inspired by nature. For more proletariat concerns, it will make for an amazing accent to wardrobes, apartments or perhaps a bit of inspiration for informed holiday purchases sure to look current in the new year. And who can’t use a little peace of mind and protection these days? Now here’s to hoping for a better, more invigorating year ahead indeed.