Pantone Colour of the Year

For only the second time in Pantone’s 20-year history, the colour institution have chosen two shades instead of one for their Colour of the Year.

As we look to fortify ourselves with energy for the year ahead after the ongoing uncertainty of 2020, it makes sense that we should want to surround ourselves with colours associated with joy and resilience. ‘Illuminating’ a vibrant and aspirational yellow and ‘Ultimate Grey’ a dependable neutral represent exactly that.

Pantone Colour of the Year 2021 Moodboard

These two independent colours have been selected to highlight how different elements can come together to support one another. ‘Illuminating’ reflects our need to know that everything will get brighter, whilst ‘Ultimate Grey’ is practical and grounding. Back in 2009, when Pantone selected a warmer yellow, ‘Mimosa’ in response to the economic uncertainty caused by the recession, they said “no other colour expresses hope and reassurance more than yellow”. A lot has changed in a decade, but we believe the need for hopefulness and optimism is as strong as ever.