Each year, the Pantone Color Institute selects a shade that embodies the collective mood of the moment. For 2025, they’ve chosen PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warm, rich brown that exudes comfort and stability. This versatile hue mirrors a global desire for grounding elements in an ever-evolving world, blending warmth with sophistication to inspire balance and resilience.
The History Behind Pantone’s Color of the Year
Since 2000, Pantone has announced its Color of the Year to encapsulate the spirit of the times. The selection process involves careful consideration of global trends across art, fashion, design, and culture. According to the Pantone Color Institute, the chosen color reflects “the global zeitgeist—a mood and an attitude that resonates universally” (Pantone).
In explaining their methodology, the Institute’s Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman noted, “Color has always been a mirror of what’s going on in the culture. The Color of the Year is an emblematic shade of what we see taking place in the world, a color that expresses the collective consciousness” (Eiseman).
Why Mocha Mousse?
The earthy yet sophisticated Mocha Mousse feels deeply relevant to 2025. This year has seen a surge in appreciation for warmth, tactility, and timeless aesthetics. As people seek solace in the midst of constant change, the shade offers an emotional anchor—rich enough to inspire creativity yet neutral enough to create a sense of calm.
The Pantone Color Institute describes Mocha Mousse as embodying “a grounding richness that connects us to the earth and ourselves” (Pantone). Its versatile appeal makes it suitable for both bold design statements and understated elegance, whether in fashion, interiors, or branding.
Bringing Mocha Mousse Into Your Life
- In Fashion: Pair it with jewel tones for a luxe vibe or soft neutrals for a minimalistic look.
- In Interiors: Use Mocha Mousse on accent walls or furniture for warmth and coziness.
- In Branding: Its sophisticated undertone can elevate product packaging and create a welcoming visual identity.
A Color for Connection
As the world navigates both challenges and possibilities, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse serves as a unifying hue, reminding us of the importance of resilience, connection, and finding beauty in simplicity.
If you would like to take advantage of the color of the year in your upcoming branding materials the hex code for Mocha Mousse is #A66A5D. Pop it into any designing software and get busy!
✨ How do you feel about Mocha Mousse as the Color of the Year? Let us know in the comments!