AFTER A TUMULTUOUS 2020, PANTONE CHOOSES TWO COLOURS TO CAPTURE THE message of resilience and hope for 2021
One colour wasn’t enough. That’s the decision global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards, PANTONE reached with last week’s dual-shade announcement as the defining 2021 Colour of the Year. Ultimately, the pairing of Ultimate Gray and Illuminating best express the narrative of a global culture seeking both hope and strength as we welcome a new year in a world of continuing uncertainty.
Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, while Ultimate Gray quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience. As a pair, the hues convey the message of unity, stability and hope.
Coming together while being apart
These two independent hues, one warm, one cool, are inspired by nature: the golden sun bursts with optimism while the weathered-grey colour of pebbles on the beach highlights an ability to stand the test of time. A colour combination which are said to conjoin deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine-filled day. “The selection of two independent colours highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting, conveying the idea that it’s not about one colour or one person, it’s about more than one,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director at Pantone Colour Institute.
And after months of isolation, practicing safety and social distancing measures, showing care for ourselves and others by staying apart, I think it is safe to say that human connection beyond the virtual platform is a healthy and desirable aspect of life we all crave to reinstate.
One vaccine isn’t enough
When it comes to imagining a post-pandemic world complete with carefree social gatherings and spontaneous travel plans, it’s a long road, we all know it. However, as we near the end of this arduous year, the arrival of the first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine on Canadian soil last weekend is an auspicious start. And on that note, does Pantone’s choice of two colours for 2021 seem somewhat prescient seeing that we actually need two doses of the vaccine for it to be effective, not just one? Pantone’s double pick has so many levels! Or I have been isolating for too long, you decide.
fashion first, interiors second
The colour combination was first seen on runways in the Fall 2019 Collections and then started popping up in interiors as early as mid-year. For apparel, the marriage of Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are a great combination for activewear as well as outerwear. Grey always serves as a wonderful bouncing-off point for a bright yellow accessory to enliven an outfit. Naturally, the same concept applies to interiors; you can play it safe by sticking to neutrals for fixtures like countertops and adding a splash of bright yellow as a lively accent (think serveware, small appliances) against the grey backdrop. If you’re more daring, add colourful appliances to a kitchen, or a ray-of-sun shade to a sofa or chair. Whether you’re colour-shy or embracing of bold tints, together these two hues work in harmony, uplifting our spirits while providing a rock-solid foundation.
Nature Knows Best
Any symbolism in these two choices is deliberate and again takes its cue from invaluable, infallible nature. “When the grey clouds disperse, we see the sunshine,” says Eiseman. “We may not be there yet, but we’re trying to get there.” As we wait for 70% herd immunity, perhaps now is the time to try a sunny mural in your home, which will offer reprieve on those grey days.
Transparent Gold Wallpaper Mural, starts of $5.85 per sq.ft. by Wallsauce
After a particularly substantial “sun-deprived” period, I always try to remember that moment after take-off on a flight. I know, travel has been off the table for a while but just think back to a departure day void of sun, when the plane rises above the clouds and suddenly, the sunlight fills the aircraft and instantly you are reminded that the sun was always there, even if you didn’t see it…That moment inevitably is when I am most assured and I settle into my seat for the long journey. With the new year at our doorstep, let the power of colour or your version of a literal or metaphorical ascent offer solace and bring a smile to your face as we persevere. It’s coming—the sun and all its promise—we just have to sit tight, fasten our seatbelt and wait to disembark.