Pantone makes a splash with Living Coral, the 2019 Colour of the Year

 

The Pantone Colour of the Year for 2019 is what the company describes as the bright and optimistic 16-1546 Living Coral, and a colour which Pantone says represents the fusion of modern life.

 

Where Pantone said 2018's deep purple 18-3838 Ultra Violet, drew on the ‘mysteries of the cosmos’ and the ‘vast and limitless night sky’, Living Coral, described by Pantone as "an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone", is inspired by both the natural and digital worlds. According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute, "Colour is an equalising lens through which we experience our natural and digital realities and this is particularly true for Living Coral.

 

"With consumers craving human interaction and social connection, the humanizing and heartening qualities displayed by the convivial Pantone Living Coral hit a responsive chord," she said.

 

Announcing the Colour of the Year, Pantone called Living Coral a "vibrant yet mellow" hue which provides comfort in an ever-changing world at a time when real coral is under threat.

 

In some marvellous copywriting Pantone said, "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. Symbolising our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits, Pantone 16-1546 Living Coral embodies our desire for playful expression.

 

"In its glorious, yet unfortunately more elusive, display beneath the sea, this vivifying and effervescent colour mesmerizes the eye and mind. Lying at the centre of our naturally vivid and chromatic ecosystem, Pantone Living Coral is evocative of how coral reefs provide shelter to a diverse kaleidoscope of colour."

 

The closest match for Living Coral in Pantone’s Plus Series is 2345C, which can be achieved in CMYK with C=0 M=59 Y=50 K=0; in RGB with sR=255 sG=109 sB=112; and in HTML (as seen here) with FF6D70.

 

Previous Pantone Colours of the Year include:

 

 

• Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet (2018)

 

 

• Pantone 15-0343 Greenery (2017)

 

 

• Pantone 15-3919 Serenity and Pantone 13-1520 Rose Quartz (2016)

 

 

• Pantone 18-1438 Marsala (2015)

 

 

• Pantone 18-3224 Radiant Orchid (2014)

 

 

• Pantone 17-5641 Emerald (2013)

 

 

• Pantone 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012)

 

 

• Pantone 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)

 

 

• Pantone 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)

 

 

• Pantone 14-0848 Mimosa (2009)

 

 

• Pantone 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008)

 

 

• Pantone 19-1557 Chili Pepper (2007)

 

 

• Pantone 13-1106 Sand Dollar (2006)

 

 

• Pantone 15-5217 Blue Turquoise (2005)

 

 

• Pantone 17-1456 Tigerlily (2004)

 

 

• Pantone 14-4811 Aqua Sky (2003)

 

 

• Pantone 19-1664 True Red (2002)

 

 

• Pantone 17-2031 Fuchsia Rose (2001)

 

 

• Pantone15-4020 Cerulean (2000)