If you haven’t heard, the color gurus at Pantone have announced the 2016 colors of the year: Rose Quartz and Serenity.
You heard right: two colors for the coming year – a first for the company, which traditionally chooses one color for the entire year. As the NY Times pointed out, the explanation for the choice has some heavy political underpinnings, including a pointed reference to blurring gender lines and finding serenity amidst a hectic and violent world. A surprising amount of baggage for such creamy, light hues!
Pantone explains in its own words:
“A softer take on color for 2016: For the first time, the blending of two shades – Rose Quartz and Serenity are chosen as the Pantone Color of the Year.
“As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity 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.
“The prevalent combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity also challenges traditional perceptions of 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. This more unilateral approach to color is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer's increased comfort with using color as a form of expression, 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.
“A symbolic color selection; a color snapshot of what we see taking place in our culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude.
“For the first time Pantone introduces two shades, Rose Quartz and Serenity as the Pantone Color of the Year 2016. Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.”
For more info about Pantone's Colors of the Year, click here.
