It’s a boy, it’s a girl, nope it’s Pantone’s color of year! Or rather color”s” of the year. The 2016 Pantone colors have been revealed and it’s Pantone 15-3919 Serenity and PANTONE 13-1520 Rose Quartz. And what better way to celebrate then to break out the balloons and do a photoshoot.

If you don’t think that the color of the year has an impact, let me tell you! As soon as Pantone announces, I get non-stop emails from brands pointing out which shades match the colors the closest. The brand tells us the selection of the two colors was meant to be a “harmonious pairing of inviting shades that embody a mindset of tranquility and inner peace”. (We like the sound of that!). There’s also a lot of talk about gender equality and how the colors do not stand for one sex or the other but are meant to convey a sense of compatibility, comfort, calmness, balance and wellness. It’s a little funny talking about a gender blur which is very relevant to the times and then picking a classic baby blue and pink shade as the colors but I like the intention and meaning none the less. Also I think we can all stand for some more tranquility and inner (and outer) peace in the new year.

With a playful escapism as the theme the pairing of shades can be expressed through prints, plaids, color blocking, and of course makeup! Pantone has set a number of collaborations including with Sephora, Pink, KitchenAid. They also have an exclusive print with American Flat and of course the signature Pantone Color of the Year Mug, which is now a staple in my kitchen.

Pictured above, some stylish options from PINK. The Pantone 1026 Color of the Year is offered in shirts and accessories throughout the brand’s collection both as seasonal and core pieces. Highlights include the Gibson classic fit shirt in superior, the Elephant Family Print tie, BX Middlton Check Boxers and Odd Spot sock featured above. Also featured is the PANTON Universe mug I mentioned before. It’s dual sided to represent both shades as well the Pantone Color of the Year 2016 Fragrance, Harmony. Created by Firmenich, Harmony is an airy and delicate fragrance with notes of Centifolia Rose, crystalline Musks and a velvety Incense.