ILLUMINATING & ULTIMATE GRAY Pantone Colours of the Year 2021
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- March 31, 2021
The up-coming fashion season (Spring/ Summer 2021) consists of a palette characterized by “happier” colours than we saw in the prior season (Fall/ Winter 2020). The new season colours reflect hope and optimism. The biggest colour trends of 2021 are taking a cue from the last tumultuous year and giving people a sense of hope, optimism and the refresh that many are looking for. This is indicative of the world coming out of the dark times brought on by the COVID19 pandemic. The colours emphasize on the desire of the world for brighter and happier days ahead. As history has taught us, after a depression, there is usually a transition from darker hues to vibrant colours in clothing, interior décor and even in fine art.
As usual, the prognosticators and trend forecasters at Pantone saw the direction in which people would lean when it comes to pefered colours. After researching and observing for many months came up with two colours that they believe will be the dominant shades of 2021. These independent colours according to Pantone are “Ultimate Gray” and “Illuminating”, which is a Sunshine- Yellow-like colour, symbolizing perhaps the the light at the end of the tunnel. The yellow and grey colours compliment each other perfectly well. This is only the second time in the 22 years that Pantone has been choosing a colour of the year that two colours have been selected. The first time was in 2015, when Rose Quartz and Serenity were chosen (which is to say, pink and blue for 2016). That year, the two shades were meant to blend into each other, reflecting the recognition of gender fluidity and social progress. But this year, the two shades are meant to stand on their own, as complementary tones, supporting each other.
It is also the first time that a gray has earned the honour, and only the second time for a yellow. As it happens, both shades were added to the Pantone colour wheel earlier this year, along with “Period Red”. Imagine if that one had won out? Here is to much brighter days ahead!
