Pantone Announces #ColorOfTheYear for 2025

The Pantone color company has announced its color of the year for 2025. With all the chaos in the world including the possibility of a winter surge in covid cases, the ongoing war in Ukraine, the instability in Syria, the post-presidential election milieu, and the holiday season, this news was welcomed by those of us in the marketing field.

According to ENews, "Originally created in 1999 by the Pantone Color Institute, the Color of the Year's goal is to engage the design community and color enthusiasts around the world in a conversation around color, while shining a light on the relationship between culture and color. Pantone enlists a team of global color experts at the Pantone Color Institute to scour the world in search of new color influences - from film to art, fashion to technology, and even upcoming sporting events. To make their pick, experts at the Pantone Color Institute trawl through high-fashion runways, interior design trends, pop culture moments, and human psychology. Pantone's Color of the Year is a global phenomenon that reflects a lifestyle trend. You may see its effect on color palettes everywhere." And those of us in the marketing world anxiously await Pantone's announcement every December.

For 2025, the Pantone Color Institute has selected PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warming, brown hue imbued with richness. The description of this color is as follows: "It nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort."

According to Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, "For Pantone Color of the Year 2025, we look to a mellow brown hue whose inherent richness and sensorial and comforting warmth extends further into our desire for comfort, and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others."

Is mocha the color of any well-known brand? When it comes to brown hues, here are some memorable brands: UPS, M&M's, Hershey's, Yves St. Laurent, Nespresso, A&W Root Beer, and Godiva. Are you seeing a chocolate theme?

Will your brand add mocha to its logo during 2025? And as for fashion, do you think you look good dressed in mocha?

According to ENews' reporter Megan Gray, here are some of the many Mocha Mousse colored items:

Kate Spade Outlet Madison Willow Mini Flap Crossbody:

Have you met the Madison Willow Crossbody? With a chic metal accent and soft leather exterior, it may become your next go-to bag.

OPI Nail Lacquer Nail Polish in Espresso Your Inner Self:

You may need to espresso your inner self with this chocolatey brown hue. It's a more subtle shade that will go with every outfit, and the brand promises it'll give you seven days of wear.

Puma Suede XL Sneakers:

Retro-inspired with some Mocha Mousse flair, these suede sneakers are a wardrobe staple. They can make any outfit look effortlessly cool, plus their padding and cushioning will provide a super comfy feel.

Starbucks Ground Coffee, Mocha Flavored Coffee:

Starbucks' Mocha Flavored Coffee is made without artificial flavors and can give you a chocolatey, caffeine kick.

However, according to Cristin Kennedy of Blackbird Interiors, "The announcement of a luscious brown being selected as Pantone's color of the year isn't a shock. I think that people today are after a more intimate setting in their homes. Incorporating these richer hues lends itself to that feeling. The days of homes with all white walls and fully open concepts are coming to a close." 

What do you think the color of the year will be for 2026? Here's a hint: Watch 2025 with marketing-colored glasses for clues!

And lastly, did you know that paint brands also choose colors of the year? Check out this recap from House Beautiful:

https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/colors/g63115105/color-of-the-year-2025-list/

Image Credits: Pantone, Kate Spade, OPI Nail Lacquer Nail Polish, Puma, and Starbucks.