Pantone colour of the year: A look back 2020 – 2025
Prepare to keep wearing your neutral tones well into autumn after Pantone announced Mocha Mousse as its colour of the year for 2025.
The warm brown hue has been dividing the internet with some users loving its neutral and low-key tone while others are finding it too dreary against dopamine dressing and 80s maximalism trends.
Leatrise Eiseman, Executive Director of Pantone’s Colour Institute believes that this mellow and versatile brown is far from dull however, calling it luxurious and timeless.
“Underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence,” she explains.
“Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe.”
With big brands collaborating with Pantone to celebrate this elegant brown for 2025, it won’t be disappearing from mood boards anytime soon. From fashion, hair and beauty palettes to interior trends; Mocha Mousse and its complementary creamy neutrals are here to stay.
While we all rush out for Mocha Mousse eye shadow palettes or manicures, we pause to take a look back over the last five years of Pantone’s chosen colour for further lifestyle inspiration.
2024 Colour of the Year – Peach Fuzz
This “heartfelt” colour was described by the Pantone team as being an appealing tone somewhere between pink and orange.
“Peach Fuzz inspires belonging, recalibration, and an opportunity for nurturing, conjuring up an air of calm, offering us a space to be, feel, and heal and to flourish from.”
2023 Colour of the Year – Viva Magenta
A vibrant red that is according to Pantone: “A pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.”
2022 Colour of the Year – Very Peri
A first for PANTONE in 2022 when they created the special shade of Very Peri – a whole new colour from scratch.
“Encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time possessing a violet-red undertone, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression.”
2021 Colour of the Year – Illuminating and Ultimate Gray (two winners)
This perfect duo includes both the sunshine and warmth of the cheerful yellow with the natural and dependable tone of the grey. As PANTONE says:
“Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, the union of PANTONE Ultimate Gray + PANTONE Illuminating is one of strength and positivity. It is a story of colour that encapsulates deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the promise of something sunny and friendly.”
2020 Colour of the Year – Classic Blue
A classic and elegant blue that according to PANTONE radiates calm, confidence and connection.
“Classic Blue brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the human spirit, offering refuge. Aiding concentration and bringing laser like clarity, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue re-centers our thoughts. A reflective blue tone, Classic Blue fosters resilience.
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Story by Laura Jackel, Lifestyle Editor
