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Iridescence
It's the new black.
By Paul Makovsky
June 2003
Color is not just a flat surface anymore: new technologies and pigments
allow designers to look at it in three dimensions. Iridescence--and similar
effects such as metallics, pearlescence, and colors that change according
to light--are finding their way into new products.
For example, the color-shifting pigment ChromaFlair was initially used as
an anti-counterfeiting measure on the new twenty-dollar bills issued in
1996. (The inks of the numeral on the lower right corner of the bills' face
appear to change from black to green and back again.) Since then similar
sophisticated iridescent pigments have shown up in everything from makeup
to cell-phone covers to automobiles.
SpectraFlair--the newest generation of light-interference pigments--splits
light into many different colors and creates a dramatic iridescent effect,
according to Sommers Plastics vice president Fred Schecter. "This occurs
when light hits an ultrathin multilayer interference flake that is
opaque and reflects the light back to the eye just like a mirror."
Light is refracted differently by the different layers of the flake,
which creates the shift in color. "Just imagine multiple bright rainbows
moving over a surface."
With Carnegie's translucent textile Vision in the Xorel line and the 12
technocolors that have been added to its classic Strie palette, these effects
occur naturally. Xorel is made of polyethylene and is environmentally sound,
containing no nasty chemicals like PVC and chlorine, and no harmful dyes.
"Its iridescence is an inherent property of the extrusion process,
and its beauty as a woven product comes from the fiber's technical
look. Its sparkle is dependent on the way it is lit, but it often brings
walls or furniture to life," explains Cliff Goldman, president of Carnegie.
The products shown here are just some of the applications designers have
found for this important trend. Expect dynamic color to become a pervasive
part of your environment.
PANTONE METALLIC FORMULA GUIDE AND CHIPS
Pantone is the universal color system used by graphic designers. For example,
the company's metallic formula guide includes 204 Pantone samples shown
on coated papers. At NeoCon last year the company introduced the Pantone
for architecture and interiors system--which consists of more than 1,900
colors--so interior designers now have a standard way to specify color choices
for different materials, from textiles to plastics to paint. (201) 935-3098;
www.pantone.com |
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1. MAC COSMETICS IRIDESCENT POWDER
The Golden Bronze Iridescent Powder is one of two of MAC's loose powders
that highlight the skin with a subtle glaze of color.
www.maccosmetics.com |
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2. CESAR COLOR CHROMAFUSION DICHROIC GLASS
ChromaFusion Dichroic glass shimmers and subtly changes color according
to the lighting. It is available in six standard translucent colors with
custom variations that range from the semi-transparent to the opaque. (800)
275-7272;
www.cesarcolor.com |
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3. SONY PSYC BOOMBOX
Aimed at Generation Y, Sony's collection of PSYC players--which includes
CD Walkman players, boom boxes, DVD players, and CD clock radios--have three
iridescent keys on top of each device. The color and style of the PSYC line
changes yearly; the current colors are Pulse Red, Move Blue, and Disco Yellow.
(800) 222-SONY;
www.sony.com |
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4. 2003 CADILLAC CTS
The design of the 2003 CTS features a lean chiseled body available in a
variety of metallic finishes, such as Copper Sunburst (shown here).
www.cadillac.com |
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5. SHINE EXHIBITION
The Shine exhibition recently held at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen,
in Rotterdam, looked at glittering visions of the future in contemporary
art and included work by artists such as Liza Lou, Dré Wapenaar,
and Walter De Maria. The exhibition announcement and catalog--by Rotterdam
design group 75B--use distorted typefaces and are printed on pearlescent
paper stock.
www.boijmans.nl |
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6. CARNEGIE'S XOREL FABRICS
Xorel fabrics are available in more than 40 patterns and nearly 400 colors.
The Xorel collection includes Vision (shown here)--a translucent textile
appropriate for panels and upholstery--and 12 new designs for the classic
Strie pattern, which has metallic sheen. (516) 678-6770;
www.carnegiefabrics.com |
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7. WILSONART LAMINATES 2002/2003 COLLECTION
Wilsonart's new LS series features four pearlescent designs (Pearl Dust
is shown here). The MetalFX series includes six new low-luster sheens,
four of which look like brushed metal. (800) 433-3222;
www.wilsonartlaminate.com |
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8. KOSTA BODA TOBAGO ART-GLASS BOTTLES
Named after the little Caribbean island, these handmade
bottles--available in two colors--make up Kjell Engman's new Tobago
series and epitomize the art of fine glass. (212) 752-1098;
www.kostaboda.com |
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9. SOMMER'S HIGH-INTENSITY CHROMA SATINSTRETCH
Sommers Plastics distributes an iridescent, stretchy fabric that
features ChromaFlair, a light-reflecting pigment that was first applied
to consumer technology goods and cars. The material is now being used by
Nike--in the 2001 Air Havoc cross-trainer, for example--to create
light-refracting and duotone sports apparel. Sommers Plastics: (866)
726-8663;
www.sommers.com. Nike: www.nike.com |
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All images by Annie Schlechter except #3, courtesy Sony, and #4, courtesy Cadillac |
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