
Pantone Color of the Year: A Walk Down Memory Lane
With the announcement of the 2020 Pantone Color of the Year just around the corner, we’re taking a look back at some of the most iconic COTY’s from the past 10 years, what they mean and what we can expect from the upcoming Color of the Year.
As December approaches, many begin preparing for Christmas and the celebratory period, whereas in the design world, the last month in the year means a special announcement that will influence colour and design choices for 2020: the Pantone Color of the Year.
In 2000, Pantone created the Color of the Year as a trendsetting concept for branding, marketing, and creative industries as a whole. When deciding on their Color of the Year, Pantone takes into account all aspects of society, such as fashion, marketing, social media, politics and most recently, the environment.
Here’s a look at the previous choices of Color of the Year for the last decade and the idea behind each shade.
2019: Living Coral 16-1546
An animating and life-affirming coral hue that represents environmental preservation, and the beauty we see in nature, such as coral reefs.
2018: Ultra Violet 18-3838
2017: Greenery 15-0343
2016: Rose Quartz 13-1520 & Serenity 15-3919
2015: Marsala 18-1438
2014: Radiant Orchid 18-3224
2013: Emerald 17-5641
2012: Tangerine Tango 17 – 1463
2011: Honeysuckle 18-2120 18-2120
2010: Turquoise 15-5519
As we enter 2020, there has been speculation over whether the new colour will represent the current political climate, the new decade (revisiting the 20s), or even a fun and engaging colour to distract us from the difficult issues of modern life.
We’ll be making a few predictions of our own; what do you think the new Color of the Year will be?