Why did Pantone Launch Two Colours For 2021 and Not One?
2020 is in its final stretch, and as is tradition, Pantone has just announced the colour for next year, only this time with a surprise: the famous company has chosen not one, but two colors that will be hit in 2021.
Ultimate Grey (Pantone 17-5104) and Illuminating (Pantone 13-0647), a vibrant yellow, two complementary colours that apparently demonstrates how we are looking forward to a brighter future - after what has been a relatively catastrophic past 12 months.
The two colours "come together to create an aspirational colour pairing, conjoining deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine-filled day," as Pantone said in a statement. "As people look for ways to fortify themselves with energy, clarity and hope to overcome the continuing uncertainty, spirited and emboldening shades satisfy our quest for vitality. Illuminating is 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," adds Pantone. "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."
“The selection of two independent colours highlights how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hope that is lasting and uplifting, conveying the idea that it is not a colour or a person, but more than one”, said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute in a press release.
“Practical and solid as a rock, but at the same time warm and optimistic, this is a combination of colors that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted, this is essential for the human spirit. "
This follows Pantone's royal Classic Blue for 2020, and 2019's optimistic Living Coral. The last time Pantone chose two colours in one year was in 2016, with Rose Quartz and Serenity blue - which were the most successful, by the way.
Looking for some fashion inspiration for 2021? These Pantone shades are likely to appear amongst numerous products next year. Since 2000, Pantone's team of colour experts has analyzed color trends and influences from entertainment, art, fashion, design, travel and other lifestyle inspirations to come up with one colour - or, in this case, two - that highlights major global trends.
