Pantone is Redefining ‘Masculine’ and ‘Feminine’ Colors

Pantone Inc.’s color of the year serves consumers by surrounding us in the color they feel like we need to see. In 2011 the color was “honeysuckle” because “in times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going — perfect to ward off the blues,” according to Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone’s Executive Director.

In the end of November, Pantone published the article “Spring 2016: A Transporting and Transformative Canvas,” wherein they discussed what they want the color of the year to represent.  The perfect color would “transcende cultural and gender norms.”

Pantone

That’s why my vote was for  Pantone 15-1040 Iced Coffee.

Iced Mocha

It’s warmth is perfect for every season and would compliment all skin tones, and it’s a color both men and women could rock.  Plus, in 2006, the color of the year was Sand Dollar and I thought it apt for a 10 year anniversary to have another neutral color.  But alas, Pantone did something no one predicted — they decided two colors would best suit 2016.

rose

Originally when I saw this I didn’t know what to think.  Blue and pink certainty are the quintessential baby colors — think gender reveal parties — even if it hasn’t always been the case.  In the mid-19th century pastels were common baby colors, no matter the sex of the child.  Pink was often thought as bold and belonged on a boy, while blue was thought as dainty.  In the 1940s manufacturers and retailers started to establish feminine and masculine colors, but it wasn’t until the ‘80s took off and ran with them.

Pantone is redefining what consumers interpret as “masculine” and “feminine” colors.  Come spring 2016, perhaps we will see men models embracing rose quartz-colored blazers or slacks.

 

 

Read This Next

The Ultimate Guide For Corporate Holiday Gifting 2022

Corporate giving is an excellent method to strengthen client relationships, persuade prospects to become customers, and motivate and inspire your …

Sustainable Product Catalog – Brand+Aid

Sustainable Product Catalog – Brand+Aid Brand+Aid is committed to reducing its carbon footprint. We have partnered with brands who stand …

Our Favorite Eco-Friendly Promotional Items of 2022

Sustainability might have begun as a consumer trend. Going green was previously considered fashionable. It’s the expected thing to do …

5 Reasons Why Branded Merch is SO Important in 2022

When it comes to marketing, it is critical to pursue as many routes as possible in order to maximize your …

Stay Safe! Our Favorite Promo PPE Items

It’s easy to reject the concept of branding your personal protective equipment as a needless hassle or expense. However, many …

Spa Items To Help You Chillax in 2022

The bulk of the holiday season has now passed, allowing many people to unwind and decompress from the stress and …