Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2016

It’s that time of year again when Pantone tell us the colour to be seen using, but this is the first time since the start of the Colour of the Year tradition that Pantone has decided to use two colours as the Colour of 2016 – Rose Quartz (13-1520) and Serenity (15-3919).

The previous 16 Colours of the Year have usually been bright, bold shades, except for 2003’s Aqua Sky and 2000’s Cerulean. The Executive Director of Pantone, Leatrice Eiseman said these particular colours give a feeling of reassurance and security. According to Eiseman these gentle tones give us a feeling of relaxation in turbulent times.

The Colour of the Year isn’t just chosen at random, it takes some thoughtful consideration and research into up-coming trends. Each year, Pantone’s colour experts search the world looking for influences, from films, art collections, fashion, design and travel destinations. For 16 years, Pantone’s Colour of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, such as fashion, home furnishings, as well as product packaging and graphic design.

Past selections for Colour of the Year include:

• PANTONE 18-1438 Marsala (2015)
• PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid (2014)
• PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald (2013)
• PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012)
• PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)
• PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)
• PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa (2009)
• PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008)
• PANTONE 19-1557 Chili Pepper (2007)
• PANTONE 13-1106 Sand Dollar (2006)
• PANTONE 15-5217 Blue Turquoise (2005)
• PANTONE 17-1456 Tigerlily (2004)
• PANTONE 14-4811 Aqua Sky (2003)
• PANTONE 19-1664 True Red (2002)
• PANTONE 17-2031 Fuchsia Rose (2001)
• PANTONE 15-4020 Cerulean (2000)

So, why two colours? Apparently the two colours are a natural pairing representing a gender blur that has been seen in relation to fashion and gender equality. “With the whole greater than its individual parts, joined together Serenity and Rose Quartz demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace,” said Eiseman.

In the coming year these two shades will be everywhere, from fashion, to appliances, to paint colours. You name it, they’ll be there.