Wicked Emerald

Photo Courtesy of Tim Thumb for 74 Gazette

Monika Chiang Summer 2013 Lookbook

A Little Something I Put Together: I love the emerald plaid tie-neck top and statement ring.

Left to Right: Latte Faux Fur Cropped Jacket; Urban Outfitters; $129, 
Rossella Carrara Plaid Blouse; Yoox; $73
Kate Spade New York Mini Bag Bright Light Cara; Bloomingdales; $158
Max and Chloe Green Crystal Ring; MaxandChloe; $59
Topshop Pink Duchess Satin Wrap Skirt; Topshop; $80
Over-the-Knee Wedge Boots; Yesstyle; $62

The time has come to bid goodbye, sayonara, au revoir and so on to emerald green. I know it is not really going anywhere but it is time for the reign of radiant orchid. I was really enthused when Pantone, the famous advocate of the color of the year, dubbed emerald as the color of 2013; however, I was also skeptical. I wondered if emerald would truly saturate garments and home décor items throughout the year. It is not really thought of as a color that transcends seasons; nor, is it given much attention until either a celebrity is photographed wearing an emerald grown or emerald jewels on the Red Carpet or fashion publications release their annual lists of favorite winter shades.

Naomi Watts; Photo Courtesy of Vogue

I am not going to completely regale you with how much I love emerald because that ground has already been covered many times over, by others. I decided to honor this bold shade by delving into its origins. What I found while conducting my research was intriguingly sinister. The firm that developed emerald green in the early 1800s killed it when they created this lovely shade and when I say they killed it my statement is literal. Emerald pigment was so popular upon its release that it was used in a wide range of products from paint to wallpaper to bakery confections. In addition, emerald clothing was extremely on-trend. It was quite common for designers to include emerald pieces in their collections; however, emerald pigment became associated with a number of deaths due to its arsenic content.

Public relations gurus back in the 1800s decided if they created different monikers for emerald such as Paris green or Vienna green that the arsenic in the pigment would become less important. I know it is laughable but it is true. The death toll just kept rising until the arsenic was replaced with non-lethal dyes. I bet you didn’t expect this post to take such a morbid turn did you? Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon such macabre facts. I did not let my new found knowledge, however, serve as a buzz kill. Please forgive me for the metaphors; I simply could not restrain myself.

I am an emerald green enthusiast in spite of its lethal history. I don’t just talk the talk. I walk the walk. Emerald green is a decorative accent shade in my home. There is something about this shade that just livens up a space. I recall that when I announced to my family that I was going to use emerald as an accent shade the response I received was lukewarm. Looking back, I can understand the reason. Emerald green may have been prevalently used for home décor in the 1800s but in the 21st century it can be a challenge to find emerald green home decor. There are many variations of green décor items from throw pillows to window coverings but I was greatly disappointed when I began my search to discover that emerald items are relatively scarce in the home décor market place.  Happily, due to my diligence I was able to find what I sought over the course of several months. My greatest payoff is the reactions from visitors when they see my great room/living room proves how enchanting emerald is.

Photo by Nick Johnson; Courtesy of Thom Filicia for Good Housekeeping

What do you like (or dislike) about emerald green? Do you have any emerald pieces in your wardrobe or have you used the shade to decorate your living space?

Thanks for visiting my blog. I hope that if you are not already a follower that you decide to join my journey. Until next time, be stylish!

I am a Keaton Row Stylist. Please check out my Keaton Row lookbook for the latest fashion finds: http://www.keatonrow.com.

Sharon Pate