Why Pantone’s Colour(s) of the Year for 2021 mean so much

Right on cue, the Pantone Colour Institute has announced the Colour(s) of the Year for 2021: PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating. That’s right, there are two colours – only the second time the institute has come to such a decision in 22 years.

The first was in 2016, where Rose Quartz and Serenity were chosen as a nod to the increasing fluidity around gender norms. This time, it’s in response to the unprecedented turn of events we have lived through in 2020.

Pantone described the chosen yellow and gray as independent but complementary, representing a theme of unity and mutual support. Whilst Ultimate Gray is firm and dependable, Illuminating is bright and cheerful – the marriage of which conveys a message of happiness and strength.

“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,” said Leatric Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Colour Institute.

Like the warm rays of sun imbued with solar power, Illuminating shines with energy, clarity and vitality. Like pebbles on the beach and natural objects in which a weathered appearance reflects the ability to stand the test of time, Ultimate Gray bolsters notions of composure and resilience.

As with previous years, this selection is arrived by Pantone’s colour experts based on trends across varying industries, often reflecting pop culture at the particular point of time. In hindsight, this year’s Classic Blue – a shade instilling calmness and tranquility for the dawn of a new decade – feels apt for the turbulence of our times.

Now with the hope of a vaccine next year and borders opening up again for us to reconnect and find rejuvenate, the psychological allusions of this colour duo indeed enthuse us all to press forward with fresh eyes.

We’ve compiled a series of imagery accented by the two shades for ideas on how to evoke clarity and confidence through fashion, architecture and interior design in the new year: