Pantone colors of the year 2021, Ultimate Gray and Illuminating yellow.
After a gray year in 2020, it seems a bit ironic that Pantone selects Ultimate Gray (Pantone 17-5104) as its color of the year for next year. It also named a yellow color, called Illuminating (Pantone 13-0647), as the color of the year. The concept is that both colors win the top spot. The idea is that together the colors will be uplifting and inspire sunshine and hope.
According to the Pantone Institute, the pairing of the two colors will create an aspirational appeal: “feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine-filled day.”
I remember as a child in the 1960’s having a dress that I loved to wear because it made me feel bright and happy. It was a gray skirt and a white top with a wide patent-leather yellow belt. Maybe the Pantone Institute has something with this color combination.
The Institute studies culture, art, design and couture regularly, looking for the colors that will make a difference in our global world. Sunshine yellow and warm gray may be able to do the trick.
Will it translate into watches? Yellow dials are in hot demand, especially those from Rolex, Breitling and others. Most often they are paired with a stainless steel high-polished case (representing the gray tone). And, for those who know the world of bespoke fashion, you might recall that the ubiquitous designer Bijan embraced the color yellow whole heartedly. Not only did he own several bright yellow luxury cars, but also he used the color to adorn Bijan boutiques around the world. It is still the color of choice for the brand.
