2024: Peach Fuzz
Described as a gentle and nurturing hue, Peach Fuzz arrived to offer a soft, warm embrace. This velvety shade, nestled between pink and orange, is all about quiet sophistication and connection. While many played it safe, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson provided
a masterclass in unexpected elegance at the Academy Awards. He swapped a traditional black tux jacket for a silky, perfectly tailored peach one. By keeping the rest of his look classic—black trousers and a crisp white shirt—the color popped without overwhelming. It was a confident, modern take on formalwear that proved softness has its own kind of strength.
2023: Viva Magenta
Viva Magenta was a jolt of energy—a brave and fearless crimson red that balanced warmth and cool. This assertive, rebellious shade wasn't for the faint of heart. While many celebrities embraced its power, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, demonstrated its regal potential. In a monochrome ensemble featuring an Emilia Wickstead coat dress and a matching hat, she showcased how the vibrant hue could be both commanding and impeccably polished. The look was a study in tonal dressing, proving that going all-in on a bold color can read as sophisticated and powerful.
2022: Very Peri
As the first new color created for the program, Very Peri was meant to symbolize transformation and new possibilities. This dynamic periwinkle blue with a violet-red undertone captured the digital-meets-physical mood of the moment. Zendaya, a perennial style icon, wore the color with effortless grace. She chose a vintage Versace cutout dress that featured the daring hue, showing how it could be both playful and intensely glamorous. The choice to pair a futuristic color with a throwback silhouette was a stroke of genius, embodying the blend of nostalgia and forward-thinking that defined the year.
2021: Ultimate Gray & Illuminating
In a rare move, Pantone selected two colors: a solid, practical gray and a bright, hopeful yellow. The pairing was meant to convey a message of resilience and optimism. It was a tricky combination to pull off without looking like a bumblebee or a construction sign. The key was balance. Many red carpet looks separated the two, but the most successful interpretations in daily style and fashion editorials showed how layering the shades—a gray coat over a yellow knit, or yellow accessories with a gray suit—captured the intended spirit of fortitude and sunshine after a storm.
2020: Classic Blue
Before the world turned upside down, Pantone offered a color meant to be a stabilizing force: Classic Blue. This dependable, calming shade was described as a restful and trustworthy anchor in a time of uncertainty. Many royals and celebrities wore the color, but it was Meghan Markle who demonstrated its modern, chic power. She chose a tailored wrap coat in the deep blue hue for a public appearance, pairing it with sleek leather boots. The look was a masterclass in quiet confidence, using the color's inherent stability to project an image of grounded, effortless style. It was less about making a loud statement and more about exuding poised elegance.
2019: Living Coral
Vibrant, yet mellow, Living Coral was an ode to the animating and life-affirming beauty found in nature. This warm, peachy-orange with a golden undertone was meant to be sociable and spirited. Anne Hathaway took the head-to-toe challenge and won. She wore a stunning Petar Petrov suit in the exact shade, proving the color could be sharp and sophisticated, not just beachy. By pairing the bold suit with dark green suede pumps, her stylist created a brilliant and unexpected color contrast that elevated the entire look from trendy to timelessly chic.
2013: Emerald
A throwback to a truly iconic moment, 2013's Emerald was a lush, radiant green associated with elegance and beauty. Lupita Nyong'o owned this color throughout her awards season run, but her jaw-dropping, pleated Gucci gown at the Cannes Film Festival was a showstopper. The dress, with its flowing cape and embellished neckline, caught the light and the wind, creating a moment of pure red-carpet magic. She didn't just wear the color; she embodied its lively, radiant spirit, cementing her status as a fashion force to be reckoned with.
