The color of the future
As we settle in for the cozy Christmas season and prepare for winter holidays with family, some among us are already focused on next year. They’re telling us about tax changes, predicting weather and economic patterns, and most importantly, selecting the official color of the year for 2019. In case you haven’t heard, the Pantone Color of the Year 2019 is…
…Living Coral! As you might guess, that’s an attractive shade of pinkish orange, or as the Pantone Color Institute puts it, “An animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge.”
It represents “the fusion of modern life,” expressing the duality of our existence as natural creatures with one foot planted firmly in the digital domain. This color manages to embody vast realms of meaning, according to Pantone. The press release announcing the 2019 color is filled with magnificently descriptive lines that are best read in the institute’s own words:
“…vibrant yet mellow PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment.
In reaction to the onslaught of digital technology and social media increasingly embedding into daily life, we are seeking authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy. Sociable and spirited, the engaging nature of PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity. Symbolizing our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits, PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral embodies our desire for playful expression.”
That’s not all this lovely hue can do. It’s “nurturing,” while at the same time showing “a lively presence within social media.” Laurie Pressman, the institute’s Vice President, goes so far as claiming, “As a shade that affirms life through a dual role of energizing and nourishing, PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral reinforces how colors can embody our collective experience and reflect what is taking place in our global culture at a moment in time.”
That’s quite an impressive skill set for a single shade, but perhaps it’s not overstated. After all, it is a lovely color that feels both brightening and gentle. And given the trends of actual living coral in the seas, it could be wise to relish this pretty tint while we can. Living coral may well be a shade that disappears from the oceans in future years, but at least we’ll always have Pantone.
