The Color of the Year

thegirlcomposer
Mar 31
2 min read

By: Kait Johnson

PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse

The Pantone Color of the Year program, established in 1999 by the Pantone Color Institute, aims to engage the design community and color enthusiasts by highlighting the relationship between culture and color. Each year, a global team of color experts selects a color that reflects the cultural mood and global zeitgeist. The selection process involves continuous research and analysis of color influences, including entertainment, fashion, technology, social trends, and socio-economic conditions.

Contrary to popular belief, the decision is not made in a single meeting but through an ongoing conversation among experts with diverse design and cultural backgrounds. The team approaches the decision without commercial biases, focusing on color psychology and trend forecasting.

The chosen color transcends regions and design sectors, serving as a lifestyle trend rather than a fleeting fad. It symbolizes the emotions, needs, and attitudes of consumers, resonating globally. The color name also plays a crucial role in conveying its story. If no existing shade captures the desired message, a new one is created, as seen with "Very Peri" in 2022. Ultimately, the Pantone Color of the Year reflects a snapshot of the current global culture and emotional climate.

2025 Color of the Year

Mocha Mousse sounds dreamy—earthy, yet comforting. That soft brown tone feels so versatile and grounding, doesn't it? I love that it's described with "fluffiness". It makes me think of plush textures, cozy knitwear, or even smooth suede jackets for fashion inspo. I suppose that’s that me espresso.

Sabrina Carpenter in her hit song "Espresso"

It’s interesting how Dune 2 taps into this shade too—it totally fits the film’s aesthetic, blending rugged desert tones with futuristic opulence. With Denis Villeneuve's meticulous direction, you just know that every color choice in the film will be intentional and impactful.

Denis Villeneuve's 2021 installment of Dune

Perhaps this trend, like the rise of 'Mocha Mousse,' is a quiet rebellion against the overstimulation of modern life. The influx of online shipping, those stacks of cardboard boxes in the corner, speaks to the sheer volume of 'stuff' we accumulate. In response, a desire for simplicity and calm emerges, echoing the 'millennial beige' aesthetic. A soothing yet monotonous understated palette embraced by those born between 1981 and 1996. It's as though 'Mocha Mousse' itself offers a tangible, comforting reprieve, a soft, grounding hue amidst the digital and material clutter.