As far as annual announcements go, which is to be Pantone’s Colour Of The Year is generally somewhere between the Golden Globes nominations and the FMC Plant Disease of the Year (congratulations on the 2018 gong, leaf spot!).
But if you’ve been hanging out to know next year’s official hue, be advised that the C of the Y 2019 is Pantone 16-1546, aka “Living Coral”.
And it’s a bold and exciting choice, not least because there’s a decent chance that there’ll be no actual living coral around by the end of 2019, thanks to rising emissions, peaking global temperatures and the increasing acidification of the oceans.
Introducing the Pantone Color of the Year 2019, PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral – an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge. Sociable and spirited, the engaging nature of Living Coral welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity. Symbolizing our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits, Living Coral embodies our desire for playful expression. #COY2019
Posted by Pantone on Wednesday, 5 December 2018
According to Pantone, Living Coral represents “the fusion of modern life” and is “a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media.”
What the actual hell that’s supposed to mean isn’t entirely clear, but we’d describe it as being a versatile hue which is at once as soothingly beautiful in a funeral bouquet as it would be deeply concerning in a skin disease.
So if you’re looking for the right colour for that sassy new year ensemble or describing your stress psoriasis to your dermatologist, why not consult your Pantone provider to ask if Living Coral is right for you?