For First Time, Pantone's Color of the Year Blends Two Shades. What Are They?

CARLSTADT, N.J.—December 3, 2015—Pantone, an X-Rite company and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today announced PANTONE 15-3919 Serenity and PANTONE 13-1520 Rose Quartz, as the PANTONE Color of the Year selection for 2016; a harmonious pairing of inviting shades that embody a mindset of tranquility and inner peace.

As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to the stress of modern day lives, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill the yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, Serenity comforts with 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 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."

Serenity and Rose Quartz for Fashion
The combination of Serenity and Rose Quartz was featured on the runways for both men and women and highlighted in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2016 with Emilio Pucci, Leanne Marshall, BCBG and Richard James, among others who incorporated this harmonious color pairing into their recent collections. Playful yet sophisticated, this color duo makes a striking statement on its own, though it works equally well as an accent when joined with other shades.

With playful escapism as a theme for many, the pairing of shades can be expressed 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.

Serenity and Rose Quartz are also a popular choice for jewelry and fashion accessories, including handbags, hats, footwear and wearable technology.

This engaging combination also works easily with other mid-tones, including cooler greens and purples. Pair with Lime Popsicle and Silver for some splash and sparkle, Old Rose for some tender nostalgia, or the velvety Fondue Fudge, which makes for a rich background.

Serenity and Rose Quartz for Beauty
The pairing offers a variety of lip, cheek and eye palette options, as well as hues for nail color. Flattering against many skin tones, beauty looks pairing the lighthearted, healthy glow of Rose Quartz, with the cool, refreshing tone of Serenity, create a soft and natural statement.

Done with a natural, light touch, the flattering pink that enhances the lip, cheek and eye, can be blended with a hint of the cool blue tone that contributes to a beautiful, neutral-based eye shadow palette, accented by classic solid nails or creative nail art that incorporates both shades in the design. Juxtapose with neons for a bold and interesting contrast. Appealing in all finishes, matte, metallic and glossy, a layer of silver sparkle creates added drama.

Serenity and Rose Quartz for Interiors

Whether on their own or combined with other shades, the pairing of Serenity and Rose Quartz bring a feeling of calm and relaxation into the home environment. Like a serene sunset, Rose Quartz encourages reflection on one’s surroundings while Serenity, a transcendent blue, provides a naturally connected sense of space.

An ideal choice for rugs and upholstery, Serenity and Rose Quartz also work well in paint and for decorative accessories. Coupling solid and patterned fabrics, throws, pillows and bedding in these shades provides a comforting respite and feeling of well-being in the home. Incorporating texture enhances the duality and kinship of these hues.

Serenity and Rose Quartz colored kitchen items and tableware, as well as home accessories like candles, decorative bowls, vases and florals, add subtle color accents while contributing to a welcoming and peaceful space. Translucent, glazing, matte and metallic shine are key finishes.

Serenity and Rose Quartz for Graphic Design

Strong, yet calming, romantic yet subtle, consumers are immediately drawn to this combination, making it an enticing shade for a variety of products from food and beverage to cosmetics and accessories. With packaging becoming increasingly more tied into lifestyle color trends, the combination of Serenity and Rose Quartz is a natural fit for many kinds of packaging materials.

About the PANTONE Color of the Year
The Color of the Year selection process requires thoughtful consideration and trend analysis. To arrive at the selection each year, Pantone’s color experts at the Pantone Color Institute comb the world looking for new color influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films in production, traveling art collections and new artists, fashion, all areas of design, popular travel destinations, as well as new lifestyles, playstyles and socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from new technologies, materials, textures and effects that impact color, relevant social media platforms and even up-coming sporting events that capture worldwide attention.

For 16 years, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home furnishings and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design. Past selections for Color of the Year 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)

The colors selected as our Pantone Color of the Year 2016 were taken from the PANTONE FASHION, HOME + INTERIORS Color System, the most widely used and recognized color standards system for fashion, textile, home and interior design. This August, PANTONE released 210 new colors to the system. PANTONE 15-3919 Serenity and PANTONE 13-1520 Rose Quartz are included in this collection of 210 new shades.

Click here to read an article that appeared in The Atlantic on how Pantone became a global authority on color. 

About Pantone and the Pantone Color Institute
Pantone LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of X-Rite Inc., is the global color authority and provider of professional color standards for the design industries. Pantone products have encouraged colorful exploration and expressions of creativity from inspiration to implementation for more than 50 years. Through the Pantone Color Institute, Pantone continues to chart future color direction and study how color influences human thought processes, emotions and physical reactions. Pantone furthers its commitment to providing professionals with a greater understanding of color and to help them utilize color more effectively. Always a source for color inspiration, Pantone also offers designer-inspired products and services for consumers.

About X-Rite
X-Rite Inc., is the global leader in color science and technology. The company, which now includes color industry leader Pantone, develops, manufactures, markets and supports innovative color solutions through measurement systems, software, color standards and services. X-Rite’s expertise in inspiring, selecting, measuring, formulating, communicating and matching color helps users get color right the first time and every time, which translates to better quality and reduced costs. X-Rite serves a range of industries, including printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, paints, plastics, textiles, dental and medical.

Source: X-Rite.