USM Embrace Pantone’s Colours of the Year
If anybody knows about colours, Pantone certainly does. They forecast colour trends, highlight the top seasonal runway colours, advise companies on colour for products and brand visual identity and select the Pantone Colour of the Year.
For 2021 they have revealed two colours of the year: a “bright and cheerful yellow” in PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating and a reflection of “solid and dependable elements” in PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray. The 14 classic colours of USM Haller have been here since the beginning and are here to stay. Timeless – yet also very much contemporary since our “Golden Yellow” and our “Light Grey” carry on Pantone’s trends for the upcoming year.
The process of selecting the colour of the year takes nearly nine months. Each Pantone Colour of the Year is decided through rigorous research into trend forecasting, examining a variety of new influences, such as entertainment and fashion.
Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Colour Institute, said: “The Pantone Colour of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that colour can hope to answer. As society continues to recognise colour as a critical form of communication, and a way to symbolise thoughts and ideas, many designers and brands are embracing the language of colour to engage and connect.”
For instance, in 2016 the chosen colour was a blend of two, Rose Quartz and Serenity as the pink and blue tones were used to unite and inspire gender equality. What came after this in 2017 was the colour Greenery, which was alluding to the disruption felt in the world in 2016 from terrorism, natural disasters, and politics. Green is a colour of spring, a time for rebirth, and the colour was believed to reassure and inspire people to move on from the difficult events of the previous year and be hopeful for and work together towards a better year.
After what has been a difficult year for all in 2020, Pantone felt that the world needed colours that would inspire strength and positivity. The grey is the supporting colour in this union, representing practicality and solid strength, while the yellow is warming and optimistic. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Colour Institute, said: “The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude.” The colours keep each other balanced. The grey reminds us to be resilient, we must know that we can defeat the obstacles of the present, as there are bound to be better, sunnier, happier days to look forward to which the yellow suggests. There is always light at the end of the tunnel and hope.
The success of USM is due to its simple yet ingenious design. From a few basic components and a timeless colour palette a beautiful and iconic piece of furniture is built, which can easily be reconfigured for individual creativity. Available in the signature 14 colours you can choose from classic monochromes to pops of colour including golden yellow and light grey creating a piece of furniture that exudes both optimism and strength.
Design your own furniture using the Pantone colours of year with our online configurator.
