Welcome to 2021, where the pairing of a solid grey combined with a cheery yellow offer us hope for the future.
Following a turbulent and uncertain year, the Pantone Color Institute announced that it had chosen two colours to best express the mood for Colour of the Year 2021. Only once before have the experts at Pantone ever awarded this prestige to two colours. 2021 sees Ultimate Gray and Illuminating as the perfect combination of dull, familiar grey with the bright yellow of lemon skin. According to Pantone’s executive director, Leatrice Eiseman, the two colours come together to create an aspirational colour pairing that is practical, rock-solid and resilient, yet providing us with hope, optimism and the promise of a sunshine-filled day.
PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power. PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray is emblematic of solid and dependable elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation. The colour of pebbles on the beach and natural elements whose weathered appearance highlights an ability to stand the test of time, Ultimate Gray quietly assures, while encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience.
The tonal pairing encompasses the seriousness of the world’s ongoing struggles while simultaneously acknowledging the hope connected to the availability of a vaccine against Covid and light at the end of the tunnel.
When using the two colours in 2021, they do not have to be used in equal proportions. Either colour can take precedence whether for apparel, beauty, home furnishings, product design or packaging.
Walking On Sunshine
Chuck 70 Classic available in low and high top in Sunflower, R899-R1099.
Sunny Side Up
Enhance every occasion with Tavola’s beautifully designed napkin range. Available in Leopard Yellow and Leopard Grey, R110. Unison, Flanders Mall
Citrus Style
Simple, stylish and natural, the easy–to–wear Elula linen shirt dress can be dressed up or down, paired with a belt and grey sandals. It’s the perfect splash of citrus colour to brighten up your day, R975. Unison, Flanders Mall
At Home Ease
Rosey & Vittori’s homegrown apparel house works to create everyday urban classics, accented with a sense of high street. Streetwear inspired by South African lifestyle and diversified by street culture of the world. Their chic leisurewear allows you to stay safe at home in style, looking great with nowhere to go. Acid wash tracksuit – sweater and jogger – is fresh and casual, R640 and R650. Hoodie, R680. https://roseyandvittori.com
Happy Days
Whether you’re after a comfortable supportive crop for the gym, the perfect pair of compression leggings for yoga, or an effortless sports luxe top for a night out, PE Nation – designed to suit any active lifestyle – provides a range of well-constructed, functional designs with a strong streetwear influence. PE Nation Twist serve leggings in safety yellow, R1 600. PE Nation High twist shuffle tank in charcoal, R800. https://onembs.co.za; available from ONE mind body soul, uMhlanga Arch
Happiness In Your Home
Welcome this perfect Pantone Colour of the Year pairing into your home for 2021. Throw this striped velvet cushion on to your sofa or bed and instantly add a refreshing and vivid touch of happiness to your home, R950. https://onembs.co.za; available from ONE mind body soul, uMhlanga Arch
“We need to feel encouraged and uplifted, this is essential to the human spirit” – Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of Pantone.