10 December 2020

PANTONE SELECTS TWO SHADES AS ITS COLOURS OF THE YEAR FOR 2021

Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, an "optimistic" hue of yellow, are the two shades that Pantone has named as its colours of the year for 2021.

Pantone believes that the pairing of shades will help people "fortify themselves with energy, clarity and hope" in a world that's set to face increasing uncertainty.

The bright yellow shade, called Illuminating, is meant to evoke the "optimistic promise of a sunshine-filled day", while Ultimate Gray is a much quieter hue that speaks more of "composure, steadiness and resilience".

Pantone says the colour can almost be compared to durable natural elements, like time-weathered pebbles on a beach.

"The selection of two independent colours highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting," explained Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

"Practical and rock-solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a colour combination that gives us resilience and hope," she continued. "We need to feel encouraged and uplifted, this is essential to the human spirit."