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Trendsletter is your guide to the latest trends and insights in fashion, foresight and alternative economic models sent every 28 days or when inspiration hits.

In each edition, we explore the intersection of fashion and foresight, uncovering intriguing signals and trends that shape our world. Expect a curated selection of positive weak signals—emerging trends with the potential to impact industries and lifestyles in exciting ways.

​The last trendsletter explored words of the year: Rizz, Mathilda, Cozzie livs and many other words. This time I wanted to deep dive into something that is particular to the design world: The colors of the year. I know, Peach Fuzz was announced a while ago, but I believe with other colors of the year revealed December-January it would still be worth a deep dive. Aside from my normal critique of how releasing a color of the year is not a sustainable practice unless done consciously, I thought it would still be worth it as colors reflect the mood of society. At least that is what most of the color of the year nomination processes are trying to do.

Color of the year

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• Soft and playful yellow Glidden went with Limitless​
• Warm nurturing peach tone Pantone chose Peach Fuzz ​
• Earthy Terracotta shade HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams selected Persimmon​
• Cool blue tone Valspar chose Renew Blue​
• Light blue with gray undertones Sherwin-Williams revealed Upward​
• Light blue is C2 Paint color of the year named Thermal​
• Vibrant blend of blue and violet Benjamin Moore announced Blue Nova​
• Dark moody blue-purple Future Dusk is Coloro & WGSN color of the year for 2025 (the 2024 one was Apricot Crush)
• Olive shade with bold undertones of black Dutch boy introduced Ironside​
• Soft black Behr introduced Cracked Pepper​

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What does it mean?

Well we end up with a bunch of peach or terracotta-ish hues and a bunch of blues: from light to mystical dark. Neutrals are darker than seen in previous years. If I pick from the reasoning behind why each color was picked there are some common theme that emerge:

1. Emotional Connection: Many colors were chosen for their ability to evoke specific emotions, such as warmth, comfort, and tranquility. This suggests a trend towards creating spaces that feel nurturing and reassuring.
2. Nature-Inspired: Several hues are inspired by nature, emphasizing a connection to the natural world. This reflects a growing desire for sustainability and organic elements in design.
3. Well-being and Balance: The focus on wellness and self-care is evident, with colors that are meant to create a sense of balance and encourage personal growth and well-being.
4. Bold Confidence: Some selections represent boldness and confidence, empowering individuals to make strong design choices and express their unique identities.

These patterns indicate a collective movement towards colors that not only beautify spaces but also contribute to the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals.

But wait....The analysis is not complete nor taken from the same industry or at the same level. Colors that walls are painted in aren't the same for a successful campaign or to be used in fashion (Pantone). Also the market is not the same: Most of Coloro and Pantone products are created for design professionals, while on the side of the paint companies it is for its consumer.

Other color of the year

• Even the recycled decor paint Boomerang has named a color of the year: Truffe. A hue between brown and terra cotta
• ​The company backdrop (D2C) release its Color of the Year paint color called: Color of the Year which is a high-octane yellow-orange and the reason behind being not following trends, but for self-expression. Note: That reminds me of the whole narrative about Trends are dead 👉 Read more Are color of the year dead or overrated?

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More color inspiration

I love reading prints and these are my favorites analogues when it's a matter of colors. Colors are also a funny thing to look online too, if you feel like some inspirations

🎨 Sindroms - Every issue analyzes one color at a time in its full aura. So far explored: gold, blue, white, green, pink, yellow, red

🎨 Viewpoint Colours - A mag supported by Pantone it explores the dynamic world of color through a lens of art, design, and culture.

🎨 Mix by Colour Hive - My favorite because of its in-depth cultural analysis articles at the beginning of each issue and its regional perspective on colors. Unfortunately, it's not possible to order per issue anymore; it requires a full subscription.

I'm also currently reading a new piece in the Journal of Future Studies that blends colors, foresight, and fashion. The article is titled Scenario Planning in The Digital Transformation Of The Fashion Industry: Starting Point For The Adjustment Of Business Processes From A Colour Management Perspective

📰 In the media

I am slowly resuming service commenting in the media, journalist be warned! I stopped because of other priorities, but I'm getting back into the business of commenting on important issues for me: Demystifying fashion trends (not driving sales), explaining sustainable consumption habits or behaviours and highlighting sustainable initiatives that are worth the viewers time.

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Expert comments and recent contributions:​

🚲 Signal - Normandy's attractions now offer reduced fees to tourists arriving by bike, train or bus Innovation of the day, spotted for Trend Watching

👖 Article - Wearing us down: How the economy will affect sustainability in fashion Charlatan

👗 Article - To Come, Clin d'oeil May 2024 (FR)

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