Overview and categorized product design and color trends.

1. SUMMER 2012
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Title W1w
GK SUMMER 2012 COLOR TREND REPORT
By A. Groen, GK Design Europe bv
July 2011

2. SUMMER 2012
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Contents
Contents
Trend Research
Sources: Where the trends come from
Report Set Up
Social Trends - social/lifestyle influences
Directions
Colors - coloring, mood and image
Graphics - Logos, striping, accents
Material - product skin, aroma, details
Effects - finishing and textures
Combos – color material effect mixes
Key Theme SUMMER 2012
DEMOCRACY–- A taste for everyone
Key Social Trends
Identity, Sensibility, Vanity
Mood Boards
5 Directions per social trend
Iysander Follet ‘like’ silver pendant

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Source
Source
Seminars / Lectures
CMG Color Marketing Group
Second Sight
Desk Research
Product Design / gadgets
Fashion Web & Magazines
Media Arts & Entertainment
Lifestyle Blogs, YouTube
Field Research
MILAN Design Week 2011
Geneva/Shanghai Motor Show
AMFI Graduation Show 2011
ISPO 2011 Sports Fashion
Fashion Shows
Hommes Spring/Summer 2012
MBFW Berlin 2011
Fashion Rio Verão 2012

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KEY THEME WIN 12
DEMOCRACY
Key Theme: Summer 2012
After RE-VOLT comes DEMOCRACY.
It is the responsibility of design and color to bring people to a
higher level. Design is a reflection of our history and culture.
Taking the old and reinventing it but not forgetting the roots.
This season is a mix of future tech and past revivals with the
common theme being our ability to CHOOSE, share and create.
With the conflicting trend themes of Identity, Sensibility and
Vanity, color swings from classic revivals to technically coded
graphics and the tacitly textures of the last years.
This report seems like a mix of the past and present influences
meaning that there is a taste or a style out there for each of us.
Movie Link: Kolor Ksubi
Cult Australian fashion label ksubi, toast the long awaited return of their
colored denim range, with a short film directed by Australian director
Daniel Askill. kolors is a fume-fuelled, slow-motion battle between three
colour-clad models and a trio of '80s muscle cars.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpwZgEQB6Mc
Threadless Doctor Who T-shirt TARDamask by Rosemary Travale

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Social Trends WIN 12
KEY THEME:
IDENTITY
Brand & Personal Identity
SENSIBILITY
Classic Kitsch Decadence
VANITY
Look but don’t touch
TRENDS
KEY IMAGES: Lady GaGa, Kate Middleton Royal Wedding, Cinemagraph – by Beck & Burg

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Dominance - TREND
SOCIAL TREND WINTER 2012
INTRO PANEL: LADY GAGA
IDENTITY
This trend has to do with BRAND IDENTITY and PERSONAL IDENTITY.
Brand Identity in terms of design is the corporate coloring and
consistency of the brand with recognizable colors that project an image
and message.
On a PERSONAL level, with the help of technology, you can show who
you are and expose yourself to the masses with a unique digital identity
and information about who you are and what you like.
Google Chrome has introduced its new browser as a channel to update
the world, even recruiting the IDENTITY Queen herself to promote it.
Movie link: Lady GaGa for Google Chrome
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVbXrubQpa0

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OJ Camo1
COKE RED
This color trend takes unrelated products and mimics the corporate
identity of big brands causing a familiar POP culture effect.
This bright glossy red should not be hindered by complex graphics.
The color has the strength, graphics should be bold / simple like a
stop sign or Coke can.
Key Words: Classic Crimson
Stop Sign
Summer Red
Intro Panel: PRADA sports
Color 2012
Updated: Racy Red W09/10

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OJ Camo2
Keywords: Classic Crimson Stop Sign Summer Red
Mood Board:
Jeremy Scott FW11
Renault DeZir Concept
Carrera
Key Images:
NDK ISPO 2011
Michael Kors Watch
Adidas AdiZero Rose Dominant 2012
COKE RED
Updated: Racy Red W09/10

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CODE
QR CODE
QR Codes (Quick Response) are matrix codes readable by camera
telephones. At Milan Design Week many exhibitions had the codes
on displays. As a design element the codes are used a graphics as
well as a decorative symbol.
Colored QR Codes: link
http://www.qrpath.com/blog/2011/06/01/carnaby-pioneers-colour-qr-codes-with-sister/
Movie link: First ever Animated Tattoo by K.A.R.L (uploaded July 4)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=f3qv2dSXQXk#at=30
Keywords: Matrix Message
2D Barcode
Creative Codes
KEY IMAGE: Chairs for Charity exhibit Triennale Milan 2011
Graphic 2012
NEW

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Zombie 2
Keywords: Creative Code Matrix Message 2D Barcode
Mood Board:
Supernights DJ Phono B&B Berlin 11
Nidecker board
Kopenhagen FUR 2011
Supra Royal Collection
Key Images:
Rick Owens 11
Philips O’neill the Snug
Kaywa & Office Lendorff
QR CODE
NEW

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Lava Red 1
Citrus Cyan
A fresh yellow arrives as part of a series of bright youth trend colors
that are almost neon. Yellow can add a light flashy feel to a product;
the combo with light cyan blue makes it more sporty.
At the recent Geneva car show (March 2011), various hues of bright
yellow were seen more often than orange. Another advantage of
yellow is that it has spiritual meaning (healing, leadership). This is a
highly underused color and is coming back.
Key Words: Water Lemon
Sunny Sky
Yellow Med
Intro Panel: K2 ISPO 2011
2Tone 2012
Updated: Sunny Slick S09

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Lava Red 2
Keywords: Water Lemon Canary Sky Yellow Med
Mood Board:
Daniele Alessandrini SS12
Nissan Townpod Concept 2010
POC Helmet
Key Images:
Galliano SS12
Nixon
Nike Air Max Fly By
Citrus Cyan
Updated: Sunny Slick S09

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Lunar Grey1
BOWTIE WHITE
High contrast Black and glossy White has gone underground for
some time, having been overused in recent years. But its graphic
strength can’t be denied due to it’s intense expressive message.
More a product color combo than a fashion color, this combo will
always be a safe classic choice yet can be dramatic with black eye
socket graphics and striping.
Key Words: Harlequin Eye
Dramatic Dove
White Hole
Intro Panel: Opel Ampera 2012
Color Graphic 2012
Updated: Night Water W09/10

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Lunar Grey 2
Keywords: Harlequin Eye Dramatic Dove White Hole
Mood Board:
Milan Design Week 2010
Hyundai Blue2
Nexx Helmet
Key Images:
DIOR HOMME SS12
Diesel Watch
Diesel Island Max 2009 fusion 2011
BOWTIE WHITE
Updated: Night Water W09/10

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CODE
Black Pebble
The sequel of Batman ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ comes out in the
summer of 2012. We will see the return of the super hero like
materials like this tech textured rubber or leather black.
Adidas will introduced UNDFTD (Undefeated) x Adidas Originals Aug
11 with its pebble leather skin finish.
Movie link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6J1oIiOVrGI
Keywords: Anti-Slip
Noir Knobs
Raised Round
KEY IMAGE: Versace 2011
Color Material 2012
NEW

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Zombie 2
Keywords: Noir Knobs Anti-Slip Raised Round
Mood Board:
Versace 2011
Nike Kobe VI
Uvex bike helmet
Key Images:
Alexander McQueen 11
NIXON Revolver
UNDFRD X Adidas Originals
BLACK PEBBLE
NEW

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Intelligence- TREND
SOCIAL TREND SUMMER 2012
INTRO PANEL: Kate Middleton / Catherine Duchess of Cambridge
SENSIBILITY
The UK Royal Wedding and Kate Middleton’s style icon status has
helped in bringing back classic decadence.
This trend was seen at Milan Design week 2011 where we called it
“Classical Kitsch”. It has to do with the return of classic styles and
materials which we already saw last season with Colonial & Animal
prints.
It is also the evolution of the eco trend which can now appear
through nature’s luxurious beauty rather than the generic green or
cardboard look.
Nature’s beauty comes in the form of silky pearls, woven golds,
luxury woods and subtle flowers. It is a return to classical
decadence with the occasional kitsch twist.

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Lava Red 1
Pearl Passion
In 2009 we had ‘Mink Pearl’. This is a more genuine version of pearl
in which some products use actual pearls for beading or ornamental
purposes. It can be a mix of sparkly and smooth, or 2 toned with
black or grey for more strength.
Key Words: Misty Cream
Ivory Gloss
Pearl Drop
Intro Panel: 2011 Nike Jordan 11 Space Jams
Material Color 2012
Updated: Mink Pearl W08/09

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Lava Red 2
Keywords: Misty Cream Ivory Gloss Pearl Drop
Mood Board:
Nike
Lotus: Geneva 2011
Duckie Brown 2011
Key Images:
The Blonds 2011
Angular Momentum
Diva Fashion 2011
Pearl Passion
Updated: Mink Pearl W08/09

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Lunar Grey1
WOOD YOU?
With the coming of ‘Arbofoam’, eco friendly liquid wood, new wood
based designer products are popping up everywhere. As the eco
tend continues this material will have a major effect on tech products.
Arbofoam: made from lingin (waste wood) mixed with resins/fibers.
Put into a mold and it can pretty much make ANYTHING.
http://www.gizmag.com/wooden-lagomorph-bike/19241/?utm_source=Gizmag
+Subscribers&utm_campaign=5bb9a9e767-UA-2235360-4&utm_medium=email
Key Words: Liquid Wood
Drift Wood
Branch Out
Intro Panel: Fossil made of Arbofoam (liquid wood):
http://www.tecnaro.de/english/avsk.htm
Material 2012
Updated: White Ash W09/10

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Lunar Grey 2
Keywords: Liquid Wood Brach Out Drift Wood
Mood Board:
HMR B52 Helmet
Drift Eyewear
www.drifteyewear.com
MDC stand
Rodart FW12
Key Images:
Grove Ipad 2 bamboo case
Drift Eyewear
Nixon
WOOD YOU?
Updated: White Ash W09/10

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Lava Red 1
Gold Tapestry
This is a key direction for ‘classic luxury’; an intricate mix of gold and
silver mainly influenced by the runways. It reminds us of old
tapestries and indulgent excesses.
Movie link:
Versailles is hosting a new exhibition: Le XVIII au Gout du Jour/ A
Taste of the 18th Century. The exhibition is curated by Olivier
Saillard and is on view at Versailles through October 9, 2011.
Key Words: Metal Medley
Woven Silver/Gold
Gilded Grandeur
Intro Panel: Pierre Hardy Discorama High top Sneaker
500 pairs available June 2011
Material Color 2012
NEW

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Lava Red 2
Keywords: Metal Medley Gold Silver Weave Gilded Grandeur
Mood Board:
Pierre Hardy Discorama High Top
Gustave Klimt 1907
Rolex
Balmain 2011
Key Images:
Roberto Cavalli 2011
Gurgel Sergrillo Series band
Oakley Romeo Original
Gold Tapestry
NEW

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Black Swan1
SKY FLOWER
This is the first C&G (Color & Graphic) that is as much influenced by
fashion (Gautier SS12) as product design. A soft sky blue with tiny
flower prints, reminding us of classic Laura Ashley designs but
modernized through color matching the flowers with the blue.
Note: The sky blue can also be used independently from the flower
graphic.
Keywords: Fresh Water
Light Blue
Surf Flower
KEY IMAGE: Nike Sportswear + Liberty collaboration
SFB (*Special Military Field Boot) with classic Liberty Pattern
Out July 2011
Color Graphic 2012
Updated: Baby Blue S09

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Black Swan2
Keywords: Fresh Water Light Blue Surf Flower
Mood Board:
JP Gautier SS12
Erba Milan 2012
Nike SFB
Key Images:
Basler MBFW SS12
Eastpak
Giro
SKY FLOWER
Updated: Baby Blue S09

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Lunar Grey1
SHADED SHINE
Gradients were already popular in sports casual products and have
been invading the runways since last season; now we also see them
in interior design.
This trend should be used with neutral colors (i.e., no neons) fading
into white or black to give the fading the more attention rather than
the color.
Song Link: Fade to Grey (80s)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMPC8QJF6sI
Key Words: Easy Transition
Sober Sunset
We Fade to …..
Intro Panel: Nike Sportswear Women’s Skinny Dunk
Effect 2012
NEW

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Lunar Grey 2
Keywords: We Fade to … Easy Transition Sober Sunset
Mood Board:
IMM 2011
Oakley Frogskin
Neil Barrett AW11
Key Images:
Paul Smith
Diesel
Prada
SHADED SHINE
NEW

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Seduction- TREND
SOCIAL TREND SUMMER 2012
INTRO PANEL: Cinemagraph (animated GIF) - by fashion photographer Jamie Beck and visual designer Kevin Burg
VANITY
Close to last seasons “Seduction” trend, the recession tired fashionista’s are
ready to show off. This is seen in the form of exposing lingerie inspired colors
and materials or in an explosion of eye popping color mixing and Latin inspired
graphics.
Socially this trends links to “Generation Me” (born between 1980 and 2000) the
overly confident youths of today are more sure of themselves than Gen Xers.
They are described as winey and spoiled yet tech savvy and optimistic even in
hard times and have the numbers to create their own future.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/30/magazine/30fob-wwln-t.html
Movie Link: Paco Rabanne Lady Million Perfume Ad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2T_Hno-hiM

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Lunar Grey1
POWDER PINK
This delicate pale pink with a silky finish is meant to attract in a ‘look
but don’t touch’ way. Like a princess.
Key Words: Candy Wrapper
Delicate Dahlia
Lingerie Lead On
Intro Panel: Invicta Watch
Color 2012
Updated: Pinkette S08

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Lunar Grey 2
Keywords: Candy Wrapper Delicate Dahlia Lingerie Lead on
Mood Board:
Milan Design Week 2010
Erba Milan 2012
Invicta Watch
Key Images:
Kenzo SS12
Fanny Wang
Nike
POWDERED PINK
Updated: Pinkette S08

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Lava Red 1
Translucent Touch
Since the success of colored transparency (Imacs and Jelly Swatch),
all other transparencies were considered a cheap imitation. Now, with
a technical function, translucency, returns. Seen on the runways as
trendy rain gear or on product showing the heart of the product with
an inner detail or soft coloring.
Key Words: Liquid Heart
Membrane Melt
Gel Coating
Intro Panel: Semi Rigid Car by Emergent; made of cartilage; it makes
its own fuel from algae. The bio-engineered car is grown instead of
manufactured made of synthetic skin, the chassis is foldable for easy
transport. http://www.dezeen.com/2011/07/07/semi-rigid-car-by-emergent/
Material Effect 2012
Updated: Veiled White S10

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Lava Red 2
Keywords: Membrane Melt Liquid Heart Gel Coating
Mood Board:
Milan Triennale Exhibition Space
Adidas Jeremy Scott
“Invisible Wings” 2011
Dragon Alliance Sunglasses
Mulger SS12
Key Images:
Hermes BAGS 2011
DKNY Watch 2010
Swatch 2011
Translucent Touch
Updated: Veiled White S10

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Lunar Grey1
Paint Streak
This is a collision of colors randomly placed with precision (precision
being the black background). It portrays an artistic streak that can
either be for self expression or to have a bombshell effect.
Key Words: Art Splat
Dramatic Dobs
Pop Prism
Intro Panel: Citroen Survolt Concept, Shanghai 2011
Color Effect 2012
NEW

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Lunar Grey 2
Keywords: Art Splat Dramatic Dobs Pop Prism
Mood Board:
SV Ski Helmet
Citroen Survolt Concept Shanghai 2011
Versace 2011
Key Images:
Blue Man SS12
HEAD Boards 2011
Electric Funk Marble Headphones
PAINT STREAK
NEW

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CODE
Bird of Paradise
Bird of Paradise is the name of the Flower that inspired the print used
on the Givenchy Spring/Summer 2012 collection. It symbolized
Latino culture in the streets, and is an exciting pattern for Summer.
http://www.qrpath.com/blog/2011/06/01/carnaby-pioneers-colour-qr-
codes-with-sister/
Keywords: Latino Leaf
Fast Foliage
Bamboo Shoot
KEY IMAGE: Givenchy Spring Summer 2012
Graphic 2012
Updated: Tree Times W08/09

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Zombie 2
Keywords: Bamboo Shoot Latino Leaf Fast Foliage
Mood Board:
Milan Spa Exhibit 2011
Nordica Side Country 2012
Givenchy SS12
Key Images:
Espaco
(FFW Fashion Rio Summer 12)
Nike Dunk High Pro SB De La Soul
Baroque Brown Altitude Green
BABA Design Milan 2011
Bird of Paradise
Updated: Tree Times W08/09

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Lava Red 1
Wolf Grey
Gray is the strong continuing ‘recession proof’ color. ‘Future
Proofing’ was the key trend at the CMG conference in June 2011.
Wolf Gray pops up next to the ever continuing “Concert Grey” from
S10, but it finds its character in a 2 tone combo with white and strong
black graphic details. This a more sporty casual direction.
Key Words: Recession Proof
Black Fang
Sporty Casual
Intro Panel: Nike Air Max Penny
2Tone 2012
NEW

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Lava Red 2
Keywords: Recession Proof Black Fang Sporty Casual
Mood Board:
Buick Envision Concept (Shanghai MS)
Nike Air Max Penny 1 “Wolf Grey”
Armani SS12
Key Images:
Dion Lee 2011
2011 Jordan & Ferrari
Skullcandy Grey Low Rider
Wolf Grey
NEW

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SUM 11 CHART
EMERGING ESTABLISHED
INDIVIDUALSOCIAL
DIRECTION CHART SUMMER 2012
QR Code Tapestry Powder Pink Shaded Shine Pearl Wood U Wolf Gray
Translucent Streak Paradise Coke Pebble Citrus C Sky Flower Bowtie
SUMMER2012
NEW! (6) UPDATED (9) Total: 15 Directions

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SUM 11 CHART
EMERGING ESTABLISHED
INDIVIDUALSOCIAL
SWATCH CHART SUMMER 2012
QR Code Tapestry Powder Pink Shaded Shine Pearl Wood U Wolf Gray
Translucent Streak Paradise Coke Pebble Citrus C Sky Flower Bowtie
SUMMER2012
NEW! (6) UPDATED (9) Total: 15 Directions

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WIN 12 CHART
EMERGING ESTABLISHED
INDIVIDUALSOCIAL
DIRECTION CHART WINTER 2012
ROSE GOLD COLONIAL LUNAR GREY BLACK SWAN ROYAL BLUE SILVER SED CARBON WHITE
ZOMBIE 3D VISION PINUP PRINT LAVA RED APRICOT OJ AMBUSH SNOW LEP PYTHON
WINTER2012

42. SUMMER 2012
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WIN 12 CHART
EMERGING ESTABLISHED
INDIVIDUALSOCIAL
OVERVIEW CHART SUMMER 2012
CODE TAPESTRY POWDERED SHADED PEARL WOOD U WOLF PADDED
TRANSLUCENT PAINT BIRD COKE PEBBLE CITRUS SKY BOWTIE
SUMMER2012
CARBON ROYAL ROSE GOLD SWAN PROSTHETIC SEDUCTION GOLD COCOA
PINUP 3C AMBUSH PYTHON LAVA BARCODE DOC APRICOT
Overall continuing colors for SUMMER 2012 (including reports btw 2011- 2007)

43. SUMMER 2012
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ENDW12
Disclaimer: The contents of this report are for internal use only, unauthorized copying or distribution without written approval from GK Europe bv is prohibited.
SUMMER 2012 COLOR TREND REPORT
Photography: Y. Maeshima, M. Muller, O. Beboux, A. Groen
www.gkeurope.nl
Cinemagraph – by Beck & Burg