Classic Blue named Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2020

Global colour company Pantone has named 19-4052 Classic Blue its Colour of the Year 2020, chosen for its ability to “instil calm, confidence and connection” as we come to the end of a decade. 

The rich navy is “a timeless and enduring hue elegant in its simplicity,” says the colour provider, “suggestive of the sky at dusk”. The colour is often associated with communication, introspection and clarity, which is particularly important in today’s fast-paced world and in light of technology’s accelerating developments. 

“We’re living in a time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by Pantone 19-4052 – a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of The Pantone Color Institute. 

“Imbued with a deep resonance, Classic Blue provides an anchoring foundation. A boundless blue evocative of the vast and infinite evening sky, [it] encourages us to look beyond the obvious to expand our thinking; 

challenging us to think more deeply, increase our perspective and open the flow of communication.” 

Classic Blue is a stark contrast to the colour provider’s chosen hue for 2019 – the muted terracotta hue Living Coral. 

According to Pantone, Classic Blue is already being used in fashion, interior and graphic design, and textiles, and is expected to make a big impact in the make-up and nails sectors next year, with pro brands using the hue in new launches. 

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