Behind the scenes: How we forecast the WGSN x Coloro Colour of the Year and seasonal Key Colours

Think Butter Yellow and Burgundy appeared from nowhere? Think again. Each season, WGSN releases the highly anticipated Key Colours forecast two years ahead. These colours guide industry leaders and creatives in their decisions for future products and assortments across fashion, beauty, consumer tech, interiors, and sports and outdoor.

How we forecast Key Colours with 93% accuracy: the process unwrapped

Forecasting two years in advance isn’t as simple as you might think. We reach our decisions using a methodology of expert research, combined with world-leading colour tools, all of which culminate in our dynamic, seasonal Global Colour Workshop.

Over three days, WGSN’s industry experts from across the world gather to share their qualitative and quantitative research. Our team references aesthetic directions, consumer data and regional insights through our STEPIC framework and an analysis of consumer emotions to determine trending hues within each industry. The workshop continues with additional data analysis to track the path of colours into the future, resulting in a future-proof approach that our clients trust, season after season.

How WGSN uses Coloro to handpick the colours of the future

Throughout the workshop, Coloro is on hand. WGSN’s chosen colour provider and the leader in colour excellence, Coloro plays a crucial role in forecasting our Key Colours using their physical and digital tools each season. WGSN experts have an industry-leading array of inspiring and accurate colours to reference and select from throughout the forecasting process – using the Coloro Toolbox of over 3,500 colour swatches, they are guaranteed to find the colours that their research is pointing them to.

Once the Key Colours are selected, they undergo rigorous health checks using Coloro’s Feasibility Intelligence (CFI) tool. The first data-driven solution of its kind, CFI tests colour feasibility across all key substrates and varying light sources, removing any unwanted surprises, so we know our clients can seamlessly bring the Key Colours to life.

Ready to achieve colour confidence? Check out the full suite of Coloro’s physical and digital tools.

Now that you know how we forecast our seasonal Key Colours, book a demo to access our S/S 27 Global Colour forecast.

If you think Coloro can help you overcome your colour challenges, book a meeting with the team.