For the first time ever, Pantone has selected two Colours of the Year as part of its trend predictions for 2016. The two colours are both soft pastel shades: Pantone 13-1520 Rose Quartz and Pantone 15-3919 Serenity.
The move to two shades was said to reflect the societal shift away from gender segregation. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director at the Pantone Colour Institute, said: “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 consumers’ increased comfort with using colour 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 colour.”
The shades are also said to evoke inner peace and tranquility. Eiseman explained: “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 art a soothing sense of order and peace.”
The combination of the two shades was seen on catwalks during SS16 shows, particularly Emilio Pucci, Leanne Marshall, BCBG and Richard James.
Rose Quartz and Serenity are also tipped to be popular in cosmetics. Pantone said the shades would be work in lip, cheek and eye palettes as well as in nail polishes. The pink can also be blended with the cool blue tone in a neutral palette. Metallic or sparkly layers could be added for a more dramatic take on an otherwise soft look.
Pantone’s Colour of the Year has been running for 16 years and is often seen as a key influencer in product development. The colours are selected after careful trend analysis and extensive research.
