There is a growing movement to align ourselves more closely with the natural world. In an era driven by technology, what grounds us is nature. This explains the growing trend of people wanting to connect with the natural world. Every year, Pantone captivates the design world with its Color of the Year, offering a shade that reflects our evolving cultural zeitgeist. For 2025, this honour goes to PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, an elegant and earthy brown hue. It invites sensory warmth and embraces the natural world, inspiring a sense of comfort and mindful connection. "PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embracing aspiration and luxe. Presenting a discrete and tasteful touch of glamour,” reads Pantone’s official release.

Pantone empowers companies and manufacturers to make colour-critical choices at every level of the workflow by providing colour innovation, digital solutions, professional colour language standards and access to the creative community. The brand reveals its Color of the Year through in-depth research into global trends reflecting the collective mood across design, culture and technology. Supported by narratives and palettes, the announcement is celebrated with immersive global events, connecting creativity across industries, as one noticed with the Colour of the Year 2024 reveal: Peach Fuzz.

In a world increasingly drawn to sustainability and authenticity, Mocha Mousse resonates with the collective desire for harmony—be it within our environment, relationships, or personal well-being. The colour’s richness is further imbued with subtle glamour, making it a sophisticated yet accessible choice. This tone encapsulates a balance between indulgence and groundedness, reminiscent of the luxurious essence of cacao, coffee and chocolate. “Harmony brings feelings of contentment, inspiring a positive state of inner peace, calm and balance as well as being tuned in with the world around us. Harmony embraces a culture of connection and unity as well as the synthesis of our mental, spiritual and physical well-being,” adds Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute.

This initiative reflects how the shade transcends mere aesthetic appeal, becoming a symbol of shared global narratives of comfort and creativity. PANTONE® 17-1230 Mocha Mousse is a versatile hue that enriches multiple design domains. In fashion, it bridges luxury and comfort, appearing in soft weaves, velvets and silky chiffons for apparel and accessories. Its neutrality complements bold colours, adding warmth to hard accessories like structured bags and jewellery. In beauty, Mocha Mousse enhances natural undertones and colour palettes, supporting minimalist, organic aesthetics with its earthy elegance. For interiors, this soft brown invokes cosiness and sophistication, fitting for walls, furniture and materials like wood, rattan and leather. It’s equally compelling in packaging design and multimedia, where its tactile warmth conveys natural authenticity, perfect for food, wellness and luxury branding.

For the 26th anniversary of the Color of the Year program, Pantone takes this celebration globally. Events in cultural hubs like New York, London, Shanghai and Mumbai aim to bring the immersive experience of Mocha Mousse to public spaces beginning with the iconic London Eye on December 5. They have also partnered with global brands such as Motorola, Wix, Ultafabrics and more, for this initiative.

Colour is far more than a visual detail—it is a powerful force that moulds trends, influencing emotions and sparking dialogue in creative fields. Initiatives like Pantone’s Color of the Year demonstrate how a single hue, rooted in cultural and socio-economic insights, can guide design discourse. Beyond aesthetics, these choices ignite conversations within creative industries, bridging art, commerce and culture. By identifying a colour that resonates globally, Pantone aims to foster collaboration and exploration across disciplines. The discourse on colours offers designers and brands a foundation to innovate while staying culturally relevant. These trends inspire a deeper appreciation for how colour connects us, catalysing creative experimentation and public engagement.

(Text by Arryan Siingh, Intern at STIR)