The “evocative soft brown” sums up how we’re all feeling, according to the global colour experts. And how we’re all hankering after some much-needed comfort and calm.
Pantone’s Colour of the Year is considered to be one of the most closely guarded secrets of the creative industry, and it’s just been officially announced. For 2025, we bring you Mocha Mousse, a “mellow brown infused with a sensorial and comforting warmth” – a hue that is set the tone for the coming new year across fashion, interiors, design, and beyond.
For more than a quarter of a century, this annual ritual of selecting a colour that perfectly captures the global zeitgeist has become one of the most talked about events in the design calendar. According to Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, this year’s choice was inspired by a collective yearning for comfort, indulgence, and shared joy. “We look to a mellow brown hue whose inherent richness and sensorial and comforting warmth extends further into our desire for comfort, and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others,” said Pressman in a statement.
It’s definitely sophisticated with earthy tones and elegance, but does PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse hit the right note, given it’s a significant step away from previous years? Peach Fuzz was 2024’s light and fruity tone evoking peace and serenity. And Viva Magenta, a bright crimson red celebrating unconventionality, the year before. We guess it’s down to personal preference. But like it or not, the global colour experts have spoken.
Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, elaborated on the hue’s appeal: “Underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence. Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, it extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe.”
So what of the feeling behind Mocha Mousse? Pantone claims it taps into themes of personal luxury and wellness, perhaps encouraging moments of indulgence like savouring a rich cup of coffee or enjoying a peaceful walk in nature. Pantone believes this earthy hue invites reflection and connection.
As always, Pantone is supporting its choice with the introduction of five curated colour palettes featuring Mocha Mousse, each designed to convey a unique mood. These palettes, along with suggested harmonies, are available for download via Pantone Connect – a hub of inspiration for creatives.
How does Pantone’s annual selection process work? Well, it draws from extensive research across fashion runways, interior design trends, cultural moments, and psychological insights. Since its inception in 1999 with Sky Blue, the Colour of the Year has consistently captured the essence of each era. As we step into 2025, Mocha Mousse hopes to embody a harmonious blend of sophistication and comfort, inviting us all to savour life’s simple pleasures while embracing a sense of thoughtful indulgence.
