Who is Pantone and Why do they Get to Decide What's "In"?

A few months back, I worked with a professional women’s group on a presentation. And as they were polling their members for interesting topics for me to cover, the topic of the Pantone Colors of the Year came up. Ultimately, we decided to go in a different direction for the presentation; the idea of WHO is Pantone and WHY do they get to decide kept tickling my blogging brain…

We often hear about Pantone and the Pantone colors of the year. But most of us are clueless about what this really means. Honestly, myself included. I mean I knew a little, but I learned a lot while doing this research.

Fall Fashion, Already?? It’s Only Spring!

And then, the 2022 Fall Fashion Shows happened, and there were so many trends that directly correlated to the Pantone colors. (Yes, this happens every year, but what can I say… I’m behind the times).

So, even though it’s barely spring, let’s talk a little bit about what will be “in” for fall. Not to make you feel pressured or crazy, but rather, if you’re investing in new spring pieces, you’re able to be mindful of what is coming down the pike. And therefore purchase strategically. #TheMoreYouKnow

Originally, Pantone started as a small business that created color cards for cosmetic companies. They then created a system for identifying, matching, and communicating colors for consistency across the print and textile industries. 

This led to the Pantone Matching System, a book that standardized colors. The PMS is essential for so many industries, such as design, cosmetics, fashion, and home… 

The most well-known segment of the Pantone company is the Color Institute which is the body that makes the color predictions each year. 

The Color Institute studies how color influences human thought processes, emotions, and physical reactions, which, in turn, helps industries (and individuals) understand colors and how to use them more effectively. 

The Color Institute chooses the colors of the year based on the design trends from various industries. Twice a year, Pantone hosts numerous nations’ color standards groups in a secret European city, and after two days of presentations and debates, they decide on the colors of the year. It’s believed the colors of the year are a snapshot of what’s taking place in our global culture. And that, in turn, serves as an expression of mood and attitude.

Well, firstly, Pantone makes this a global project. They confer with many different countries to make this decision, not just the United States. Secondly, they base their choices for color on future trends, not from the past like many paint companies - i.e, they’re forecasting and helping set the trends. 

Additionally, Pantone has the ability to create a completely new color, as they did for 2022’s Very Peri. And they develop, categorize, and sell hues in physical color guides and software that streamlines colors. Making them the same everywhere. Basically, they are the ones who created the systems and structures for color, so the colors are reliable across the board.

Pantone typically announces the color of the year for the following year, the first week of December. Sometimes there is only one color, like 2022’s Very Peri. Other times, there are two colors of the year, like 2021’s Ultimate Gray and Illuminating.

• 2016 colors: Rose Quartz & Serenity

• 2017 color: Greenery 

• 2018 color: Ultra Violet 

• 2019 color: Living Coral 

• 2020 color: Classic Blue 

• 2021 colors: Ultimate Gray & Illuminating

Very Peri is described as a periwinkle blue hue with a violet red undertone. Pantone said Very Peri is the “happiest and warmest of all the blue hues,” meant to symbolize transition and new possibilities.

Pantone explains, “Displaying a carefree confidence and a daring curiosity that animates our creative spirit, inquisitive and intriguing PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri helps us to embrace this altered landscape of possibilities, opening us up to a new vision as we rewrite our lives. Rekindling gratitude for some of the qualities that blue represents complemented by a new perspective that resonates today, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri places the future ahead in a new light.”

Who knew one color could say so much!

The Spring/Summer 2022 colors and descriptors are as follows:

Remember I talked about my “process” when it comes to spotting seasonal trends? Well, it’s kind of the same for this. I watched the Fall Runway Shows and honed in on a few trends I saw popping up over and over again…

1. Casual suiting in fun colors and textures.

   • It’s a carry-over from spring - which is GREAT news. More bang for your buck.

2. Regency Era Vibes

   • Jackets, dresses, tops with rounded shoulders, long maxi skirts with volume, and highly defined waists characterize this trend beautifully.

   • I believe this is influenced by the popularity of TV shows like Bridgerton, The Gilded Age, and Broadway hit SIX.

3. Crystals + Sparkles Everywhere

   • Crystal adornments range from all-over detailing to lustrous touches lining seams and hems.

4. Maxi Skirts - Go Long or Go Home

   • Just like pant hems that are inching closer to the ground, so are skirts.

   • Personally, I’m a fan because the unbroken, visual line makes even those who are vertically challenged look taller.