Pantone names Ultimate Gray and Illuminating Yellow as its two 2021 Colours of the Year

It’s that time of the year already, Pantone has just released its Colour(s) of the Year for 2021. 

Following last year’s Classic Blue, and 2019’s Living Coral, the global colour authority has picked not one but two hues for 2021: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating Yellow,  “two independent colors that come together to create an aspirational color pairing, conjoining deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine filled day.” 

The pairing of PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and PANTONE 13-0647 is supposed to be “aspirational” and “give us hope,” in these uncertain times and represent both practicality and optimism, to offer "strength and positivity,” according to the institute. 

“The selection of two independent colors highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting, conveying the idea that it’s not about one color or one person, it’s about more than one. The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. 

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