Living Coral named Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2019

Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2019 has been named as Living Coral – a muted terracotta hue inspired by nature. 

The warm shade, which the colour provider says is evocative of how coral reefs provide shelter to a diverse kaleidoscope of colour, has been chosen because it “is a nurturing colour that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media”. 

With technology and social media having a huge impact on our daily lives, Living Coral is meant to be representative of authenticity in connection and intimacy, “symbolising our need for optimism and joyful pursuits.”

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, explained the choice further: “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 humanising and heartening qualities displayed by the convivial Pantone Living Coral hit a responsive chord.”

The colour is believed to make a big impact in the make-up and nails sectors next year, with prestige brands harnessing the hue in new launches, and ties in nicely with sustainability being named a top trend for beauty in 2019. 

The global authority on colour picks a new shade each year based on socioeconomic conditions, new technologies, social media, and trends in beauty, lifestyle, art, music and travel.

This hue is a stark contrast to the cosmo-inspired Ultra Violet chosen in 2018. 

What do you make of the colour? Tell us your thoughts below…