Following 2018's regal and dramatic Ultra Violet, Pantone's Colour of the Year 2019 is Living Coral, an "animating and life-affirming shade of orange with a golden undertone".
A decidedly more natural colour than last year's choice, you'd be correct in guessing that the all-pervasive and pressing environmental conversation that's taken place over the past year has played a big part in the Pantone Colour Institute's decision.
"We get energy from nature," a statement from Pantone reads. "Just as coral reefs are a source of sustenance and shelter to sea life, vibrant yet mellow Living Coral embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment."
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While the colour is a poignant reminder of the damage inflicted by global warming on the Great Barrier Reef – earlier this year, scientists reported that 30% of the reef's coral was bleached and died during a "catastrophic" nine-month marine heatwave in 2016 – Living Coral is a spirited, energising shade, Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute tells Refinery29.
"Even though there is a seriousness – the nurturing aspect of preserving our ocean coral reefs – at the same time there is that element of playfulness that is attached to the colour," she explains. "Coral is a colour of beauty and a colour that humans are so attracted to. Think, most importantly, of the sunset. It conjures up a picture of some beautiful tropical place, some place you would love to be on a vacation."
The fashion industry, too, has been inspired by ocean reefs and dreamy sunsets. For AW18, Calvin Klein, Marine Serre and Moschino all sent coral-hued pieces down the catwalks, while this September's SS19 shows were flooded with the shade. From Peter Pilotto's satin suit through to Prada's pencil skirt, via Temperley London's head-to-toe look, designers have been enamoured with Living Coral of late.
Of course, the colour has long been a favourite of the beauty industry, with NARS' iconic Orgasm Blush teetering on the edge of a shimmering Living Coral, while both Zoeva and Huda Beauty have released palettes in the shade. Universally flattering on all skin shades, the warming hue gives life to washed-out cheeks and lacklustre lips.
So what is it about Living Coral that's captured our cultural imagination of late? I ask Leatrice whether she believes that the uneasy climate – political, socioeconomic, environmental – has shaped the need for a colour that is overwhelmingly positive. "Absolutely, I couldn't have put it better," she says. "It expresses warmth, that kind of harmony, human interaction and social connection that we're looking for. I think that's something so inherent in the human mind. It pulls you in, gathers you in, in such a warm and inviting way that it opens up an avenue to positive thoughts, not negative. That, we felt, was a really vital part of expressing the Colour of the Year with Living Coral."
Lord knows we could all do with a heavy dose of optimism right now, so here's to being surrounded by Living Coral in 2019, in our homes, our wardrobes, and on our Insta feeds.