Ultimate Gray and Illuminating named Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2021

Pantone has announced an “aspirational” pairing of 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and 13-0647 Illuminating as its Colour of the Year 2021 – a union that signifies “positivity” and “fortitude”.

Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow, “sparkling with vivacity – a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power”; while Ultimate Gray is emblematic of solid and dependable elements, “which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation.”

The yellow and grey combination is “a marriage of colour conveying a message of strength and hopefulness” during the coronavirus pandemic “that is both enduring and uplifting,” said the global colour company.

We expect these hues to make a big impact in the make-up, nails and hair sectors next year, with many professional brands using the colours in new launches. 

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of The Pantone Color Institute, commented: “The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude.

“Practical and rock solid but, at the same time, warming and optimistic, this is a colour combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit.” 

This pairing is a stark contrast to Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2020, which was Classic Blue – a dark, royal hue chosen for its ability to “instil calm, confidence and connection.” 

In 2019, the company opted for bright Living Coral, 2018 Ultra Violet, and 2017 Greenery. 2016 was the last time Pantone announced a colour pairing – Serenity and Rose Quartz. 

Pantone is the global authority on colour and picks a new shade every year based on socioeconomic conditions, which include travel, music, art, lifestyle, beauty, social media and new technologies.

What do you make of the Ultimate Gray and Illuminating combo? Tell us below.