Pantone Color Journey

Dive into 25 years of color history • Discover the stories behind each year's defining hue

Currently viewing: 2024
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2000

Cerulean

PANTONE 15-4020

#98B2D1 • RGB(152, 178, 209)

Description

A calming blue that suggests the sky on a serene, crystal clear day.

Cultural Context

Chosen at the millennium to represent hope and new beginnings for the 21st century.

Fun Fact

The first official Pantone Color of the Year, marking the beginning of this annual tradition.

2001

Fuchsia Rose

PANTONE 17-2031

#C74375 • RGB(199, 67, 117)

Description

A vibrant and empowering pink that exudes confidence and femininity.

Cultural Context

Chosen during the early internet boom to represent innovation and bold thinking.

Fun Fact

Represents the growing influence of technology on fashion and lifestyle choices.

2002

True Red

PANTONE 19-1664

#BF1932 • RGB(191, 25, 50)

Description

A bold and confident red that commands attention and respect.

Cultural Context

Reflects the patriotic spirit and resilience following the events of 9/11.

Fun Fact

Represents strength, courage, and the American spirit during a time of national unity.

2003

Aqua Sky

PANTONE 14-4318

#7BC4C4 • RGB(123, 196, 196)

Description

A soft and ethereal blue-green that evokes feelings of peace and tranquility.

Cultural Context

Chosen during post-9/11 healing to provide calm and emotional restoration.

Fun Fact

Represents the need for peace and serenity during times of global uncertainty.

2004

Tigerlily

PANTONE 17-1456

#E2583E • RGB(226, 88, 62)

Description

A warm and inviting orange that encourages sociability and friendliness.

Cultural Context

Reflects the optimism and energy of the early 2000s consumer culture.

Fun Fact

Represents the desire for warmth and human connection in an increasingly digital world.

2005

Blue Turquoise

PANTONE 15-5217

#53B0AE • RGB(83, 176, 174)

Description

A captivating blue-green that combines the serene qualities of blue with the refreshing aspects of green.

Cultural Context

Chosen during the early social media era to represent communication and connection.

Fun Fact

Associated with the growth of digital communication and global connectivity.

2006

Sand Dollar

PANTONE 13-1106

#DECDBE • RGB(222, 205, 190)

Description

A soft and warm beige that evokes the calming qualities of the shore.

Cultural Context

Reflects the desire for simplicity and natural beauty in an increasingly digital world.

Fun Fact

Represents the growing trend toward mindfulness and connection with nature.

2007

Chili Pepper

PANTONE 19-1557

#9B1B30 • RGB(155, 27, 48)

Description

A warm and spicy red that adds excitement and energy to any palette.

Cultural Context

Chosen during the rise of global cuisine and cultural exchange.

Fun Fact

Represents the growing appreciation for bold flavors and diverse cultural experiences.

2008

Blue Iris

PANTONE 18-3943

#5A5B9F • RGB(90, 91, 159)

Description

A balanced blue-purple that combines the stable blue with the mystical purple.

Cultural Context

Reflects the need for spiritual grounding during economic uncertainty.

Fun Fact

Represents the search for higher meaning and contemplation in challenging times.

2009

Mimosa

PANTONE 14-0848

#F0C814 • RGB(240, 200, 20)

Description

A warm and welcoming yellow that emanates hope and reassurance.

Cultural Context

Chosen during the global financial crisis to provide optimism and hope.

Fun Fact

Represents the human desire for happiness and spontaneity during difficult times.

2010

Turquoise

PANTONE 15-5519

#45B8AC • RGB(69, 184, 172)

Description

An inviting and luminous blue-green that enhances clarity of thought.

Cultural Context

Represents the search for tranquility and spiritual grounding in a chaotic world.

Fun Fact

Associated with healing properties and the growing wellness movement.

2011

Honeysuckle

PANTONE 18-2120

#D94F70 • RGB(217, 79, 112)

Description

A courageous pink that lifts the spirits and encourages confidence.

Cultural Context

Reflects the rise of social media and the need for authentic self-expression.

Fun Fact

Chosen to inspire courage and confidence during uncertain global times.

2012

Tangerine Tango

PANTONE 17-1463

#DD4124 • RGB(221, 65, 36)

Description

A spirited reddish orange that provides the energy boost needed to recharge.

Cultural Context

Chosen during economic recovery to energize and inspire confidence.

Fun Fact

Represents the bold optimism needed to overcome challenges and embrace change.

2013

Emerald

PANTONE 17-5641

#009B77 • RGB(0, 155, 119)

Description

A lively, radiant, and lush green that enhances our sense of well-being.

Cultural Context

Reflects the growing environmental consciousness and sustainability movement.

Fun Fact

Associated with growth, renewal, and the increasing popularity of 'green' technologies.

2014

Radiant Orchid

PANTONE 18-3224

#B163A3 • RGB(177, 99, 163)

Description

An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple, and pink undertones.

Cultural Context

Chosen during the rise of social media and digital self-expression.

Fun Fact

Represents the fusion of technology and nature in design and lifestyle.

2015

Marsala

PANTONE 18-1438

#955251 • RGB(149, 82, 81)

Description

A naturally robust and earthy wine red that enriches mind, body, and soul.

Cultural Context

Reflects the growing sophistication in food culture and artisanal experiences.

Fun Fact

Named after the Italian fortified wine, representing the farm-to-table movement.

2016

Rose Quartz + Serenity

PANTONE 13-1520 + 15-3919

#F7CAC9 + #92A8D1 • RGB(247, 202, 201 + 146, 168, 209)

Description

A combination of warm Rose Quartz and cool Serenity blue.

Cultural Context

Dual colors reflecting gender fluidity and the breakdown of traditional color associations.

Fun Fact

First time two colors were chosen, representing balance and wellness trends.

2017

Greenery

PANTONE 15-0343

#88B04B • RGB(136, 176, 75)

Description

A fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring.

Cultural Context

Chosen during political upheaval to represent new beginnings and renewal.

Fun Fact

Reflects the growing trend toward plant-based lifestyles and environmental consciousness.

2018

Ultra Violet

PANTONE 18-3838

#5F4B8B • RGB(95, 75, 139)

Description

A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade that communicates originality.

Cultural Context

Represents the intersection of innovation and artistic expression in the digital age.

Fun Fact

Associated with mindfulness practices and spiritual contemplation gaining popularity.

2019

Living Coral

PANTONE 16-1546

#FF6F61 • RGB(255, 111, 97)

Description

An animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone.

Cultural Context

Reflects our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits in uncertain times.

Fun Fact

Inspired by the need to protect coral reefs and raise environmental awareness.

2020

Classic Blue

PANTONE 19-4052

#0F4C75 • RGB(15, 76, 117)

Description

A timeless and enduring blue hue that instills calm, confidence, and connection.

Cultural Context

Chosen to provide a sense of peace and tranquility at the threshold of a new era.

Fun Fact

Represents the desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build.

2021

Ultimate Gray + Illuminating

PANTONE 17-5104 + 13-0647

#939597 + #F5DF4D • RGB(147, 149, 151 + 245, 223, 77)

Description

A combination of steadfast Ultimate Gray and vibrant Illuminating yellow.

Cultural Context

Dual colors representing resilience and optimism during the global pandemic.

Fun Fact

Only the second time in history two colors were chosen, reflecting the need for balance.

2022

Very Peri

PANTONE 17-3938

#6667AB • RGB(102, 103, 171)

Description

A dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet red undertone.

Cultural Context

First color created by Pantone in 3 years, symbolizing the transformative times we're living through.

Fun Fact

Represents the fusion of modern life and how digital experiences are changing our reality.

2023

Viva Magenta

PANTONE 18-1750

#BE3455 • RGB(190, 52, 85)

Description

A pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration.

Cultural Context

Reflects the brave and fearless spirit needed to navigate uncertain times with creativity.

Fun Fact

Inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes in history.

2024

Peach Fuzz

PANTONE 13-1023

#FFBE98 • RGB(255, 190, 152)

Description

A velvety gentle peach tone that nurtures mind, body, and soul.

Cultural Context

Chosen during post-pandemic healing, representing kindness and human connection in digital spaces.

Fun Fact

First color chosen specifically to promote wellness and mental health awareness.

25 Years of Color Innovation

Each Pantone Color of the Year reflects the zeitgeist of its time, capturing the mood, aspirations, and cultural movements that defined each era.

2000-2024 • 25 Colors
Cultural History
Color Psychology