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Introducing Living Coral: Pantone 2019 Color of the Year

Pantone 2019 Color of the Year Living Coral Blog Header

Coral takes the cake as Pantone's next trendsetting shade

“An animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge”Pantone Color Institute

Living Coral: Pantone 2019 Color of the Year

The color experts at the Pantone Color Institute have announced Living Coral — a warm, orangey-pink coral hue — as the Pantone 2019 Color of the Year. This bubbly shade expresses excitement and light-heartedness amid our era of digital interconnectedness. Living Coral can stand alone to make a bold statement while also blending well with muted tones, cool blues, and deep greens. This year’s Pantone 2019 Color of the Year is versatile and very topical.

From runway fashion to playful accessories, coral is literally embedded in the fabric of our culture. Its color generously complements every skin tone and complexion. We’ve noticed Living Coral in consumer packaging and graphic design trends, too. Apple even released its latest iPhone XR in a spot-on coral color. The most heavily-impacted industries, it seems, are the cosmetic and interior sectors, where Living Coral fits comfortably among a range of color palettes.

Pantone 2019 Color of the Year Living Coral Quote

Living Coral in Jewelry and Gemstones

“We’ve seen a lot of coral lately— from runway apparel to interior design applications that will parallel seamlessly to the jewelry industry. What’s unique about Living Coral is that it serves as a pop color while still versatile enough to mix with muted color palettes as well. Stuller will be able to associate a range of coral-toned stone shades and types to complement the Pantone 2019 Color of the Year. Below, I’ve pulled together a collage of imagery that illustrates Living Coral and how well it blends and even pops within its colorway. Emerald greens, deep blues, and golden tones are great contrasting elements that shine nicely against a coral color palette.” — Maren Rosen, Vice President of Merchandising

Pantone 2019 Color of the Year Maren Rosen

Complementary Coral Gemstones

Pantone 2019 Color of the Year CoralCoral Gemstones

Did you know red coral forms from a marine species called rubrum corallium. That’s right! Coral is organic, created by tiny skeletons of marine critters. With its soft glow and vibrant hues, coral gemstones perfectly replicate Living Coral’s exuberance.

Pantone 2019 Color of the Year Padparadscha Sapphire

Padparadscha Sapphire Gemstones

Padparadscha comes from the Sanskrit name for lotus blossom. This exotic gem is rarely found in nature and is mined from Sri Lanka. lab-created sapphire exhibits the strength and sparkle brought forth by Living Coral.

Contrast Coral with these Colors

Pantone 2019 Color of the Year Green TourmalineGreen Tourmaline

From olive to emerald to clover, green plays politely with Pantone’s hot new coral color. May we suggest green tourmaline to accentuate your next coral clothing or accessory?

Pantone 2019 Color of the Year Smoky QuartzSmoky Quartz

Living Coral looks great next to balmy, organic shades. Try Smoky Quartz as an understated, sophisticated pairing with Pantone’s Living Coral.


What are your thoughts on the Pantone 2019 Color of the Year? Do you absolutely love it? Let us know your view in the comments below!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kyle Carriere

I've been with Stuller since June 2016 • I make the blog happen • Recent marketing graduate from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette • Spotify is my favorite app • Music festival-goer • I endorse Pop's Poboys in downtown Lafayette wholeheartedly • GIFs and memes are my second language • Best advice I can offer: Everything will turn out alright.