Pantone Announces Color Alliance with Metropolitan Publishing BV Carlstadt, NJ, - Pantone, Inc., the world-renowned authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the graphic, fashion, interior and industrial design industries, has teamed up with Metropolitan Publishing BV, publishers of Textile View Magazine and Viewpoint, to provide design professionals with a comprehensive color forecasting service spanning multiple design areas. The PANTONE VIEW Colour Planner offers color and trend directions for the men's, women's and active markets, including accessories and shoes, as well as cosmetics and industrial design, using the PANTONE TEXTILE Color System, the most widely used and recognized color standard in the textile industry today. "Pantone's strategy is to provide a wider scope of color information and services to users of our Textile Color System," said Lisa Herbert, senior vice president, Pantone Textile, Home and Fashion division. "We wanted to create more synergy between color forecasting and how users specify color. The Colour Planner allows the PANTONE TEXTILE Color System to be used in a directional way for a seamless process in choosing and specifying color based on forecasted information." The Colour Planner is an easy-to-use, cost effective color forecast positioned for broad appeal. The colors are segmented according to key color directives. There is a general introduction to each directive outlining the colors involved and the philosophy behind them, followed by a more specific breakdown covering harmonies, suggested color combinations and proportions, suitable fabrics and patterns, as well as materials according to end-use (womenswear, menswear, activewear, industrial design and cosmetics). Additionally, there is a "basics" section of the essential, commercial colors of the new season. A master color card of the 50 plus colors can be found at the back of the product. Color swatches are referenced and dyed according to the PANTONE TEXTILE Color System, the world's most commonly used color system, saving users time in converting hues. "Metropolitan Publishing and David Shah, in particular, were the perfect complements to Pantone's 38 years of color communications expertise," says Tod Schulman, Pantone's director of marketing - textiles. "David has collaborated with some of the world's most creative forces and has been a consultant to major worldwide brands. His reputation for being innovative yet practical led Pantone to solidify this dynamic color force." Pricing and Availability The PANTONE VIEW Colour Planner will be available twice annually, Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer, for a suggested retail price of $750.00. The Colour Planner for Spring/Summer 2002 is currently available from your local Pantone distributor or by calling 888-PANTONE. About Pantone With more than 37 years of experience, Pantone, Inc. is recognized as the worldwide market leader in color communication and Internet color technology for the graphic design, printing, publishing, textile and plastics industries.