For the first time in the brand’s history, Pantone has unveiled two shades for its much anticipated and influential Color of the Year. Together, Rose Quartz, described by Pantone Color Institute executive director Leatrice Eiseman as a “warmer, embracing rose tone” and Serenity, a “cooler, tranquil blue” are intended to demonstrate balance by reflecting connection, wellness, and peace.
The shades—which are, essentially, baby blue and baby pink (and much milder than the brand’s customarily bold selections, like Tangerine Tango in 2012)—are also meant to challenge traditional perceptions around color association.
“In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design,” Eiseman said.
“This more unilateral approach to color is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumers’ increased comfort with using color as a form of expression which includes a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged, and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to color usage.”
The annual announcement, which is hotly anticipated by the design and fashion industry, has been known to spread through interior finishes, home decor, fashion, and many other aspects of design for that past several years. To determine each year’s selection, Pantone tracks color influences picked-up through travel, entertainment, the fashion industry, and other societal influences, such as technology. Often, the brand’s announcement leads to a flurry of products in the newly dubbed 'it' shade, released by manufacturers or designers who were tipped off to the colors beforehand.
Such was the case this year, as Keurig, KitchenAid, Crate & Barrel, and West Elm announced a variety of appliances and decorative items inspired by both Rose Quartz and Serenity today.
In July, KitchenAid’s iconic Stand Mixer will be available in a new warm, pink shade called Guava Glaze that was informed by Rose Quartz. The same model in Cornflower Blue, a shade that parallels Serenity, is already available. kitchenaid.com
