Pantone colour of the year for 2021 – this time there are two

For the first time ever, Pantone has chosen two shades instead of one for its colour of the year.

The 2021 colours chosen by Pantone are a grey (Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray) and yellow shade (Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating).

Explaining how one colour has become two, Pantone described them as “two independent colours that highlight how different elements come together to support one another”.

The grey colour is said to be a practical and rock-solid colour, while the yellow is meant to symbolise optimism.

Launched in 2000, the scheme is intended to highlight a colour that best represents the past year and the year ahead.

Last year’s colour of the year was Classic Blue, and the year before that it was Living Coral.

The colour of the year is said to influence trends in the interiors and fashion industry. It is chosen after many months of research into current trends and analysis by Pantone’s colour experts at the Pantone Color Institute.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said: “The union of an enduring Ultimate Grey with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude.

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

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