Pantone names 2 ‘Colors of the Year’ for 2016

MANILA, Philippines – Color authority Pantone has only ever announced one “Color of the Year,” but in a surprising turn of events, Pantone announced two for 2016: Rose Quartz and Serenity. (READ: 2015 color of the year: Marsala)

On Pantone’s website, Rose Quartz is described as “a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure.” (2014 color of the year: Radiant orchid)

Serenity, on the other hand, “is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.”

“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,” said Pantone Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman on the Pantone website.

Pantone’s Color of the Year is picked out through a poll sent to décor and fashion designers, manufacturers, and retailers, asking what colors they plan on using for the following year.

Pantone’s Colors of the Year in the previous years have been bold and vibrant, a contrast to this year’s pale pink and baby blue.

On their website, Pantone says that this is a reflection of the “gender blur” occurring in fashion that is also impacting other areas of design.

On the site, it says, “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.”

What do you think of Pantone’s two Colors of the Year for 2016? Tell us in the comments below! – Rappler.com