Fashion Fast Forward: Monaco Blue for Spring 2013

Pantone, the color institute responsible for designating each Color Of the Year, has made its pronouncement about the top color for spring 2013: Ta-dah! Monaco Blue. It's a "classic"; shade, says Pantone, full of "stability" and "depth." Sort of a cross between cobalt and navy, or maybe a slightly duskier sapphire. Personally, I'd call it "Facebook Blue," but Pantone hasn't called me for my opinion yet. This isn't the official color of 2013—that one will be announced sometime next month. But from scouting designer collection and other trends, Pantone's decided that next spring, everything's coming up Monaco Blue, with touches of Emerald, Lemon Zest, Poppy Red, Tender Shoots, and Grayed Jade.