Pantone picks Classic Blue as key shade for 2020

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Dec 5, 2019

Pantone has announced its Color of the Year for 2020 and has selected 19-4502 Classic Blue as the shade that should drive sales and interest next year.

It said the colour “symbolises protection, stability, peace, and confidence, as well as encouraging deep thinking, open mindfulness, and communication”. 

And for the first time ever, it has also debuted a unique multi-sensory approach that includes “not just the sight of the Color of the Year, but also the taste, texture, scent and sound” of it.

It partnered with Firmenich, AudioUX, Landr, and The Inside to bring the experience of the colour to life.

“As we all head into a new era, we wanted to challenge ourselves to find inspiration from new sources that not only evolve our Color of the Year platform, but also help our global audiences achieve richer and more rewarding colour experiences,” said Laurie Pressman, VP of the Pantone Color Institute. 

Blue is a popular pick for the firm with it having chosen variations on blue multiple times in the 21-year Color of the Year history. Its first-ever pick was Cerulean and since then it has also opted for Aqua Sky, Blue Turquoise, Blue Iris and Serenity.

This latest slightly darker blue selection bodes well for the denim industry in 2020 as it understandably loves Classic Blue, but it will also be seen on a host of new products, as well as continuing to drive existing ones (think Pepsi cans and cars).