Pantone names 'stable' Classic Blue as colour of the year 2020

By Sarah Parsons | Published: 5-Dec-2019

During a time of political turbulence, the timeless shade aims to offer a dependable refuge and be "suggestive of the sky at dusk"

As a new decade approaches, consumers are preparing for unknown advances and challenges, politically, technologically and ecologically.

In an era of transition Pantone hopes that its 2020 colour of the year would reflect “our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build [a future]”.

Classic Blue, or Pantone 19-4052, was said to be a ‘universal favourite’ by the team at the US trend forecasting company.

A popular shade among members of the royal family, Pantone describes the hue as non-aggressive, easily relatable and trusted.

“We are living in a time that requires trust and faith”, explains Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.

“It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by Pantone 19-4052 Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on.




“Imbued with a deep resonance, Classic Blue provides an anchoring foundation.

"A boundless blue evocative of the vast and infinite evening sky, Classic Blue encourages us to look beyond the obvious to expand our thinking; challenging us to think more deeply, increase our perspective and open the flow of communication.”

This year “life-affirming” Living Coral was said to highlight the need for real world experiences versus social media.

Since 2000, analysts at the former printing company have chosen a colour of the year.

The ‘colour experts’ are said to travel the world looking for inspiration from industry such as beauty, travel, entertainment, new technologies, lifestyles and socio-economic conditions.

Cerulean Blue was Pantone’s first annual prediction 20 years ago and in 2016 it named two shades for the first time ever, Serenity and Rose Quartz.


Like this story? For the latest in beauty trends, product launches and retail strategy, subscribe to Pure Beauty Magazine. For more information click here

You may also like