Pantone reveals 2 Colour of the Year shades for 2021
By Helena Biggs | 10 December 2020 | Movers & Shakers, News
Global colour authority, Pantone has announced PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating, as its Pantone® Colour of the Year selection for 2021.
These two independent colours ‘come together to create an aspirational colour pairing, conjoining deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine filled day.’ The spirited shades have been selected as people seek ways to fortify themselves with energy, clarity and hope to overcome the continuing uncertainty.
Illuminating is described as ‘a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power.’
Ultimate Gray is ’emblematic of solid and dependable elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation. The colours of pebbles on the beach and natural elements whose weathered appearance highlights an ability to stand the test of time, Ultimate Gray quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience.’
Pantone comments: “A mix of warm and cool tones, combining Ultimate Gray and Illuminating in hair or nail makes a dramatic statement. Illuminating sparkles and shimmers when paired with Ultimate Gray in eye make-up.”
“The selection of two independent colours highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting, conveying the idea that it’s not about one colour or one person, it’s about more than one,” adds Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude.
“Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a colour combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted, this is essential to the human spirit.”
“The Pantone Colour of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that colour can hope to answer.” added Laurie Pressman, VP of the Pantone Color Institute. “As society continues to recognise colour as a critical form of communication, and a way to symbolise thoughts and ideas, many designers and brands are embracing the language of colour to engage and connect.”