Coming off of 2018's Ultra Violet, Pantone's 2019 Color of the Year is a huge change. As announced this week by Pantone's Color Institute, 2019 is the year of Living Coral. This past year's Ultra Violet was cosmic, mysterious, and alluring, but Living Coral is bold and beautiful in a completely different way. The Institute describes it as, "An animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge." Living Coral is the exact kind of energy we all need.
Living Coral is optimistic and spirited, but not in an overly abrasive way. With its bright but soft demeanor, it acts as an inspiring boost of energy, rather than one that uses fear as a call to action. "Living Coral embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment." We all need a little comfort right now, don't you think?
This playful shade isn't all fun and games though, as it's also directly related to, you guessed it, the coral reefs. With coral reefs dying, and being "bleached," at an alarming rate, no time is more crucial than now to do our part to save them (and this whole planet in general). This year, Pantone is shifting its focus back to nature, reminding us of its exquisite, yet fragile, beauty.
As we know, 2018 was the year of Ultra Violet. 2017 was Greenery, which served a similar energizing, nature-related function as Living Coral, but was more focused on "new beginnings" than activity and action. 2016 had two colors (indecisive much?), Rose Quartz and Serenity, which were soft shades of pink and blue meant to "demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace." How nice.
But this year, my friends, is all about the uplifting and inspiring Living Coral — and we think it's a very welcomed change.
