How to predict color?

Abstract

The subject of this research is the forecast or prediction of color. The Russian science does not feature work dedicated to such aspect; however, foreign sources approached prediction of color from various perspectives, most often viewing the color trends as an inseparable part of fashion. The goal of this work consists in determination of the place and time of conception of the color forecasts, historical analysis of evolution of this phenomenon, and assumptions on further development of this direction. Territorially, the epicenters of development of color forecasts are determined in Europe (France and England), in America (the United States), in Asia (Japan). The author describes the peculiarities of color predictions in each country – at certain stages one or another county was ahead or behind; whit the advent of the Internet, everything moves to online format and becomes more dynamic. The article follows the forecast of color since its emergence, highlighting all stages of its development and establishment. The chronological framework of its development stages stretches from the early XVIII century until modernity. From the earliest to more recent, these stages include the color cards, mediators and agents (between factories, textile workers and customers, and stores), trade fairs and expositions, online services and websites. It is determined that with the course of time, the methods and instruments for predicting color were being accumulated and used together; the new colors were added, while the already existing did not lose their relevance. Despite the development of technologies, a final word in forecasting color trends belongs to a human, based on experience and intuition.