Beyond Hues: Unveiling the Mood and Zeitgeist of Each Year
For more than two decades, Pantone has annually unveiled the Color of the Year every December, offering a forecast on the dominant hue shaping the worlds of fashion, design, and beyond in the upcoming twelve months. Yet, it transcends mere color prediction; it is an endeavor to encapsulate, in a singular shade, the prevailing mood of that particular juncture in history. Leatrice Eiseman, the discerning mind behind Color of the Year selection, elucidated to the New York Times, “What we do is try to feel the zeitgeist.” Eiseman emphasizes that it extends beyond mere trends, aiming to articulate a collective sentiment and attitude.
Initiated in 1999, this annual tradition has evolved into a widely anticipated and extensively covered phenomenon on social media and in various publications. Eiseman’s approach emphasizes not merely following trends but interpreting a broader expression of emotion and outlook. The Color of the Year initiative has not only become a cultural touchstone but also a masterstroke in marketing, propelling Pantone into a global institution, widely acclaimed and recognized beyond its original niche.
Crafting the Color of the Year involves an exhaustive process led by Eiseman and her team. Spanning twelve months, they meticulously analyze trends across diverse realms such as fashion, cosmetics, urban planning, architecture, and design. Their approach includes extensive travel, voracious reading, and engaging with designers, artists, stylists, and trend forecasters. The team delves into the color palettes of recent movies and TV series, staying attuned to current events and social media discussions. This comprehensive immersion allows Pantone to distill a myriad of influences into a singular color that encapsulates the zeitgeist.
For instance, the Color of the Year for 2021 served as a visual narrative of the amalgamation between the tangible and virtual realms. It resonated with the early discourse surrounding the Metaverse and Web3, reflecting Pantone’s astute ability to encapsulate complex contemporary discussions in a single, evocative color.
Chromatic Evolution: The Vibrant Journey of Pantone from Pigments to Iconic Colors
The roots of what we now recognize as Pantone trace back to the 1950s in New Jersey when it operated as a modest company specializing in colored pigments. In a transformative turn of events in 1956, the arrival of chemist Lawrence Herbert marked a pivotal moment. Herbert not only streamlined the company’s ink production but also went on to acquire it. The subsequent rechristening as Pantone set the stage for a groundbreaking development in 1963 – the introduction of the Pantone Matching System.
Under Herbert’s visionary leadership, each color found its unique identification through a series of numbers, neatly presented in a fan deck that would later achieve widespread fame and instant recognition. This ingenious system proved instrumental in catapulting Pantone to international acclaim. Designers and companies worldwide could efficiently and swiftly reach a consensus on color choices, establishing Pantone as a pivotal reference for industry professionals.
The pivotal year 1985 saw the recruitment of color expert Leatrice Eiseman as a consultant, ultimately appointing her to helm the Pantone Color Institute. This specialized division not only predicts colors but also provides guidance to brands in selecting hues for their products. Notably, it is the driving force behind the annual selection of the Color of the Year. Eiseman, continuing to lead this division at Pantone, has evolved into a true authority on colors. Her multifaceted contributions include the crafting of iconic shades like the Tiffany blue and Hermès orange, solidifying her collaborative prowess with esteemed brands and leaving an indelible mark on the world of color.
Hues of Influence: Pantone’s Colorful Legacy and the Annual Evolution of Style
In 1999, on the brink of the new millennium, Pantone’s founder enlisted Eiseman to herald a color symbolizing optimism for the future. The chosen hue, cerulean (specifically Cerulean Blue 15-4020), an ethereal shade reminiscent of an unblemished sky, was selected for its capacity to evoke tranquility and peace. This decision, a deliberate departure from the prevailing dominance of dark colors such as black and brown, unexpectedly captivated the media’s attention, prompting Pantone to institutionalize the annual Color of the Year announcement.
Cerulean’s ascent to prominence extends beyond its chromatic significance; it shares a lineage with a notable wardrobe choice in a scene from “The Devil Wears Prada.” This subtle influence exemplifies how decisions originating at the corporate echelons, particularly in fashion, subtly permeate facets of individuals’ lives. The ripple effect of the Color of the Year extends into tangible, albeit often indirect, consequences within the fashion and design landscape. Pantone’s adept management of this initiative, fortified by numerous collaborations, stands as a testament to its enduring relevance.
In a noteworthy instance from 2013, the Color of the Year, Emerald, seamlessly transcended into a beauty product collection crafted in collaboration with Sephora. Pantone further expanded its reach with the establishment of Pantone Lifestyle, a division producing design objects where colors are denoted by the iconic numbering system. This not only reinforces the brand’s recognition but also serves as an additional conduit to amplify the messaging surrounding the annual Color of the Year proclamation.
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