Color. Every season starts with the question "what is the new must have color this season?" Usually designers have their own instinct for this... they get tired of last year's pallet and are ready to move on to something that looks "fresh". There are companies, however, that focus solely on color and color forecasting to lend a hand. Usually a year (and sometimes more!) in advance they provide colors they feel are directional for Fashion, Home... you name it. Once colors are selected, usually these "standards" are named or numbered and sent off to be "lab dipped" in your fabrics.