<Didn't that used to be called Communism?>
No, actually consumerism. Drive the public to NEED to buy by creating that need. --The new color is radiant orchid? I must go buy a new kitchen aid mixer to go with my fabulous radiant orchid kitchen towels, for my emerald green one is too passe.--
The color of the year may not dictate everything, but a huge number of the choices you have in shopping for clothing, makeup, housewares, cars, paint -- all key off of the color predictions and pronouncements.
I'm going to use this year's color as an argument for maintaining a good stash of colors that I actually like. Because we all need a healthy collection of reasons to buy more fabric.