What is the colour of the year 2016?

by FESPA | 07/12/2015
What is the colour of the year 2016?

When is a colour something more? One of the leading authorities on colour, Pantone, has announced their 'Colour of the Year 2016'.

A softer take on colour for 2016. For the first time, the blending of two shades, Rose Quartz and Serenity are chosen as the Pantone Colour of the Year.

As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colours that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent.

Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.

The prevalent combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity also challenges traditional perceptions of colour association. In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted colour trends throughout all other areas of design.

This more unilateral approach to colour is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer's increased comfort with using colour as a form of expression, 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 colour usage.

Rose Quartz & Serenity colour pairing

Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.

Whether in soft or hard surface material, the pairing of Rose Quartz and Serenity brings calm and relaxation. Appealing in all finishes, matte, metallic and glossy, the engaging combo joins easily with other mid-tones including greens and purples, rich browns, and all shades of yellow and pink. Add in silver or hot brights for more splash and sparkle.

Background

For 15 years, Pantone’s Color of the Year claims to have influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design. Past colours include:

 
    PANTONE 18-1438 Marsala (2015)
    PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid (2014)
    PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald (2013)
    PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012)
    PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)
    PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)
    PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa (2009)
    PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008)
    PANTONE 19-1557 Chili Pepper (2007)
    PANTONE 13-1106 Sand Dollar (2006)
    PANTONE 15-5217 Blue Turquoise (2005)
    PANTONE 17-1456 Tigerlily (2004)
    PANTONE 14-4811 Aqua Sky (2003)
    PANTONE 19-1664 True Red (2002)
    PANTONE 17-2031 Fuchsia Rose (2001)
    PANTONE 15-4020 Cerulean (2000)
by FESPA Back to News

Topics

Interested in joining our community?

Enquire today about joining your local FESPA Association or FESPA Direct

Enquire Today

Recent news

Driving on-demand printed textile production with Prinfab
Textile Printing

Driving on-demand printed textile production with Prinfab

Debbie McKeegan speaks to Prinfab's co-founders, Oliver and Harry Mustoe-Playfair during a site visit about their on-demand digital textile printing. Oliver and Harry share that sustainability is an important factor of the business as well as technical innovation, automation and the need for customer centric service.

31-10-2024
Girls Who Print 2024 Conference to celebrate Girl Power
Digital Printing

Girls Who Print 2024 Conference to celebrate Girl Power

Girls Who Print invites women in the printing industry, students, and allies to join the 12th annual Girls Who Print Day 2024, a FREE virtual conference celebrating resilience, innovation, and empowerment under the theme #GirlPower.

30-10-2024
FESPA Awards - excellence in garment and textiles
Textile Printing

FESPA Awards - excellence in garment and textiles

FESPA Awards 2023 celebrated excellence in both print and signage and exceptional pieces garment and textile sectors. The awards recognised innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability.

28-10-2024
WrapFest 2024 revs-up the vehicle customisation industry
Vehicle wrapping

WrapFest 2024 revs-up the vehicle customisation industry

Earlier this month, WrapFest 2024 concluded another successful event, energising the vehicle customisation and surface decoration industry once again. As the only event bringing together over 700 professionals in the vehicle wrapping and surface detailing sectors across 25 countries, WrapFest 2024 offered something for everyone with an eye on the industry.

28-10-2024