Pantone has unveiled its Color of the Year for 2025: Mocha Mousse. This mellow brown shade is all about indulgence and reflects a desire for nourishment in every facet of our lives. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, explained, “In the studies that we’ve done at the Pantone Color Institute, we always look at how color may evolve over the years, how people change their attitudes.
We look into our research and see what people are telling us they’re looking for.”
With a database of thousands of colors at their fingertips, Pantone’s challenge is to narrow down a color family and reach within it to find a hue that best expresses a widespread feeling. “At Pantone Color Institute, it’s our mission to understand what people are striving for, what their aspirations are,” Eiseman said. The warm shade of Mocha Mousse is meant to evoke simple pleasures like morning coffee, a chocolate treat, or taking a walk.
It’s about sharing those sweet moments with others. However, not everyone is on board with the shift toward subdued tones like Mocha Mousse.
Pantone explains mocha mousse’s inspiration
Some people prefer a bit more whimsy and nostalgia in their tech. For instance, a Mickey Mouse-themed phone, with its vibrant and playful design, might appeal to those tired of the neutral palette. The debate underscores a larger trend in consumer electronics: the balance between subtle elegance and bold statement pieces.
As companies explore these boundaries, consumer preferences will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping future designs. Pantone’s Color of the Year selection dates back to 1999 when the company named Cerulean the shade to lead the world into the new millennium. Over 25 years into the program, Pantone’s annual pick has become a seasonal staple that color lovers and industry experts alike eagerly anticipate.
The chosen color consistently taps into our collective values, capturing a moment in time while also propelling us into the future. With the announcement of Mocha Mousse as the Color of the Year for 2025, it remains to be seen how this mellow brown shade will influence various industries, from fashion and interior design to marketing and technology, over the next 12 months.
