Living coral, as Pantone describes it, is an animating and life-affirming shade of orange with a golden undertone.

According to Pantone, just as coral reefs are a source of sustenance and shelter to sea life, vibrant yet mellow Pantone 16-1546 Living Coral embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said, “Colour is an equalising lens through which we experience our natural and digital realities and this is particularly true for Living Coral. With consumers craving human interaction and social connection, the humanizing and heartening qualities displayed by the convivial Pantone Living Coral hit a responsive chord.”

The choice of the colour of the year is, according to the institute, in reaction to the onslaught of digital technology and social media increasingly embedding into daily life. It seeks authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy.

“Colour enhances and influences the way we experience life,” said Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute. “As a shade that affirms life through a dual role of energising and nourishing, Pantone 16-1546 reinforces how colours can embody our collective experience and reflect what is taking place in our global culture at a moment in time.”

Past selections for Pantone Color of the Year include:

·         Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet (2018)

·         Pantone 15-0343 Greenery (2017)

·         Pantone 15-3919 Serenity and Pantone 13-1520 Rose Quartz (2016)

·         Pantone 18-1438 Marsala (2015)

·         Pantone 18-3224 Radiant Orchid (2014)

·         Pantone 17-5641 Emerald (2013)

·         Pantone 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012)

·         Pantone 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)

·         Pantone 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)

·         Pantone 14-0848 Mimosa (2009)

·         Pantone 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008)

·         Pantone 19-1557 Chili Pepper (2007)

·         Pantone 13-1106 Sand Dollar (2006)

·         Pantone 15-5217 Blue Turquoise (2005)

·         Pantone 17-1456 Tigerlily (2004)

·         Pantone 14-4811 Aqua Sky (2003)

·         Pantone 19-1664 True Red (2002)

·         Pantone 17-2031 Fuchsia Rose (2001)

·         Pantone 15-4020 Cerulean (2000)