Following on from 2019’s Living Coral (Pantone 16-1546), which was described as “an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone”, Classic Blue is said to be “suggestive of the sky at dusk, the reassuring qualities of the thought-provoking”.
“We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. 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,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute.
“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.”
Pantone said Classic Blue is “imprinted in our psyches as a restful colour” and “brings a sense of peace and tranquillity to the human spirit”, offering refuge, aiding concentration and bringing laser-like clarity.
“The Pantone Colour of the Year highlights the relationship between trends in colour and what is taking place in our global culture at a moment in time, a colour that reflects what individuals feel they need that colour can hope to answer,” added Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Colour Institute.
“As society continues to recognise colour as a critical form of communication, and a way to express and affect ideas and emotions, designers and brands should feel inspired to use colour to engage and connect.
“The Pantone Colour of the Year selection provides strategic direction for the world of trend and design, reflecting the Pantone Colour Institute’s year-round work doing the same for designers and brands.”
For the first time, Pantone has this year debuted a multi-sensory approach that includes not just the sight of the Colour of the Year, but also its sound, texture, taste and scent, in a collaboration with sensory partners audio branding agency Audio UX, home furnishings brand The Inside and fragrance and flavour company Firmenich.
“As we all head into a new era, we wanted to challenge ourselves to find inspiration from new sources that not only evolve our Colour of the Year platform, but also help our global audiences achieve richer and more rewarding colour experiences,” added Pressman.
“This desire, combined with the emotional properties of Classic Blue, motivated us to expand beyond the visual, to bring the 2020 Pantone Colour of the Year to life through a multi-sensory experience.”
Read more about colour trends in the recent Printweek briefing on the subject.
