For the first time in its 16-year history Pantone LLC, the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, has chosen two shades—Serenity (Pantone 15-3919) and Rose Quartz (Pantone 13-1520)—as the Pantone Color of the Year selections for 2016.
The colors evoke a mindset of tranquility and inner peace as the need for reassurance and security is becoming more prominent in our culture, according to the organization. Weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, Serenity has a calming effect, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times. Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure.
“With the whole greater than its individual parts, joined together Serenity and Rose Quartz 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,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.
The color duo has appeared on runways for both men and women, and was highlighted in the Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2016 with Rachel Pally, Kung Katherine, Leanne Marshall, David Hart and BCBG, among others. Each color can make a striking statement on its own, but works equally well as an accent when joined with other shades or through patterning, plaids, floral prints, striping and color blocking. Variations of this hue will be seen in a variety of textures that make it wearable throughout the year, from warming and comforting plush wools and faux furs to more ethereal feeling, lightweight linens and cottons.
The prevalent combination of Serenity and Rose Quartz also challenges some more 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,” said Eiseman. “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.”
Each year’s selection process involves Pantone’s color experts sorting through new color influences, such as the entertainment industry, art collections, fashion and other areas of design. Serenity and Rose Quartz follow 2015’s selection of Marsala (Pantone 18-1438). Both 2016 colors were included in a batch of 210 new colors added in August to the Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors Color System, the most widely used and recognized standards system for fashion, textile, home and interior design.
For more information, visit www.pantone.com.
