Pantone’s Color of the Year: The Bold, the Bright, and the "What on Earth is That?"

Every December, the world holds its breath as Pantone, the global authority on color, reveals its Color of the Year. This annual tradition sends designers, fashionistas, and art geeks into a frenzy as they debate, dissect, and, often, scratch their heads over what color will dominate the coming year. Some colors are pure genius (hello, Living Coral—2019), while others… well, let's just say they leave us wondering if the folks at Pantone got into the eggnog a little early.

But before we dive into this year’s "hue-nami," let’s take a trip down memory lane to explore how Pantone came to be the world’s ultimate arbiter of color.

A Brief History of Pantone and the Color of the Year

Pantone, founded in 1962 by Lawrence Herbert, was originally a commercial printing company that created a standardized color matching system. Before Pantone, printers would simply say “make it red,” and the result could vary from hot pink to deep crimson, depending on who was in charge of the ink. This led to all sorts of confusion—especially when you’re trying to print the perfect shade of red for Coca-Cola’s logo.

Enter Pantone’s genius idea: the Pantone Matching System (PMS). Pantone devised a unique numbering system for each color, ensuring that anyone, anywhere could reproduce the exact same shade. This was a game-changer for industries relying on consistent color reproduction, like fashion, interior design, and packaging. And in 2000, Pantone took it a step further by introducing the Color of the Year.

This was not just any color announcement—it was a global event. Suddenly, everyone had to know: What color will define the year? Would it be a calming blue? A passionate red? Or, I don’t know, chartreuse?

The Highlights (Some Hits, Some Misses)

1. 2000: Cerulean Blue Oh, Cerulean, you lovely, serene blue. You became the color that everyone wanted to wear in 2000, whether on their walls or their wardrobes. Fun fact: Cerulean blue made an appearance in The Devil Wears Prada, where Meryl Streep’s character, Miranda Priestly, schools Anne Hathaway on the fashion industry's subtle yet powerful role in shaping global trends. It was the perfect start to Pantone’s Color of the Year reign—elegant, universal, and surprisingly philosophical. Take that, 2000s pop culture.

   
   

   

   
   
   
   

2. 2006: Sand Dollar Ah, yes. The sandy beige of 2006. As many an interior designer threw up their hands in confusion, the rest of us pondered why we were supposed to embrace a color that reminded us of slightly weathered beach toys. "Isn't this just beige?" people muttered, sipping their nonfat lattes. Pantone later clarified that Sand Dollar was "tranquil" and "earthy." Sure, Pantone. Sure.

   
   

   

   
   
   
   

3. 2011: Honeysuckle Now we’re talking! A warm, pinky-red that made us feel like we were being hugged by a fluffy cloud of cotton candy. If you didn’t want to wear Honeysuckle, you were probably the type of person who also says things like “I don’t really care about Valentine’s Day.” No judgment. Just saying.

   
   

   

   
   
   
   

4. 2017: Greenery Ah, yes, the famous "greenery" of 2017. It was nature's call to action, and also, apparently, a call to throw a bunch of lime-colored cushions on your couch. Critics were split—some loved it, others felt like they had just been transported into a hyperactive gardening catalog. "It’s fresh! It’s lively!" Pantone promised. It’s also the color of overenthusiastic houseplants, if we're being honest.

   
   

   

   
   

5. 2022: Very Peri Very Peri was Pantone’s first-ever new shade—a vibrant, blue-based purple with a red undertone. Some people loved it, calling it bold and daring, while others... well, they probably just stared at it for a while and wondered if their TV settings were off. "It’s like purple met blue and had a weird, electric baby!" one designer exclaimed. Not exactly a shade you'd find on your grandmother's wallpaper, but it definitely made an impact.

   
   

   

   
   
   
   

Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year: Drumroll, Please…

And now, the big reveal. For 2025, the Pantone Color Institute selects PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warming, brown hue imbued with richness. It nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort.

How to Embrace the Color of the Year in Your Life

Now, whether you think Pantone’s choice is brilliant or just an over-hyped shade of confusion, there’s no denying that the Color of the Year shapes trends for the next 365 days. Here's how you can embrace it, no matter what it ends up being:

• Wear it: Get yourself some clothes in Mocha Mousse, and suddenly, you’re a trendsetter. Even if the color makes you look like a walking chocolate bar, you’ll get compliments for being “bold” and “fashion-forward.”

• Decorate with it: If you can’t wear it, put it in your home. Pantone colors somehow manage to make throw pillows and rugs feel like they have an existential purpose.

• Name your pet after it: Because Drumstick the dog sounds cute, but “Very Peri” the cat? Now that is a conversation starter. "Here Mocha Mocha Mocha"

• Instagram it: Take a selfie in front of a matching backdrop and tag it #ColorOfTheYear for ultimate social media cred.

  
  

In the end, Pantone’s Color of the Year is about more than just a swatch—it’s a cultural touchstone. It represents where we’ve been and where we’re going, and, sometimes, it represents a color that we probably wouldn’t choose for our living rooms.

But hey, what do we know? Mocha Mousse wins the vote.

Mocha Mousse? It’ll be fabulous—at least until 2025 rolls around.

An Ode to Our Loyal Clients: A Heartfelt Thank You from Our Family to Yours

In the intricate tapestry of our journey, our clients have become much more than mere business associates. They have evolved into an indispensable part of our family. This heartfelt acknowledgment is dedicated to each one of you who has placed your trust in us and allowed us to be a part of your lives. Your ongoing support nurtures us and gives our efforts a profound purpose.

The Strength of Our Relationships

Every interaction we have with our clients allows us to build strong relationships that go beyond business transactions. We genuinely care about your success and happiness, fueling our commitment to providing top-notch service. For instance, during our last project, we received feedback from a client that our timely responses helped them meet a crucial deadline, showcasing the impact of our support. When we see you thrive, it reaffirms our life's work.

Through countless projects and collaborations, we have watched your hopes and aspirations come to fruition. These shared moments of growth and achievement help us form a bond that feels a lot like family.

Why We Value Loyalty

Loyalty is a two-way street. When you choose to partner with us time and again, it reinforces our commitment to enhancing your experience. Your feedback, both constructive and positive, propels us forward and encourages us to refine what we do. This not only cultivates our growth but also strengthens our bond.

We recognize that you have many options available. Your continued trust in us is a badge of honor we do not take lightly. It drives us to constantly innovate and improve, ensuring our relationship remains fruitful, enriching, and gratifying.

Celebrating Our Community

At the heart of our philosophy is a simple truth: together, we can achieve incredible things. Our clients inspire us daily with their creativity and passion. Whether it’s a small triumph or a monumental success, we celebrate each step along the way with you. Each success story adds a chapter to our shared narrative.

Looking towards the future, we aspire to deepen our engagement with you further. We aim to create spaces where your voices are heard and your brand is amplified. We want to ensure that every contribution has value and every relationship is cherished.

A Commitment to You

As we continue to evolve, our promise to you remains steadfast. We are committed to maintaining the integrity of our relationships and providing unparalleled support to each individual we serve. Your satisfaction will always be our priority, and your loyalty inspires us every step of the way.

Thank you for being an invaluable part of our family. We look forward to many more years of shared success, joy, and collaboration.

A Lasting Partnership

In the grand scheme of what we do, it is not just about the services we provide but the relationships we cultivate that add meaning to our work. To our loyal clients: you are not just a part of our business; you are a cherished part of our family. Thank you for being with us on this journey, for embracing our vision, and for trusting us to be a part of your story. Here is a heartfelt thank you from our family to yours.

Here’s to many more milestones together!

Trump Tariffs: 5 Big Questions on How Promo Will Be Impacted

“We’re going to lower taxes for companies that are going to make their products in the USA. And we’re going to protect those companies with strong tariffs.”

Donald Trump

Once again, tariffs are making headlines.

Import levies were a hallmark of Donald Trump’s first term in office and created significant upheaval within the promotional products sector for years.

Now, as president-elect, Trump is preparing to escalate his tariff strategy in his second term. He has committed to implementing duties ranging from 10% to 20% on all imports into the U.S., with an even steeper 60% or higher tariff on goods from China.

The promotional products industry imports nearly all the items it sells in the U.S., so the market has been rife with discussions about tariffs ever since Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race on November 5.

Although the exact details of Trump’s approach to import duties and how swiftly he will act once he takes office in January are still uncertain, there are key questions that can be explored now. Here’s an overview of the current status on five major tariff-related issues.

88% of suppliers who import product do so from China. Only 22% of importing suppliers do so from Vietnam, the second-ranked country.

(Counselor 2024 State of the Industry Report)

Q: What Are Tariffs and Why Does Trump Favor Them?

A: Tariffs are taxes imposed by the government on imports or exports, generating revenue and potentially regulating trade. For imports, tariffs are seen as a way to protect domestic industries by making foreign goods more expensive, thus preventing local businesses from being outpriced by overseas competition.

Trump has called tariffs "the most beautiful word" and views them as a powerful tool in international trade relations. He believes tariffs will encourage U.S. manufacturing, boost job growth, and help fill the revenue gap caused by his proposed tax cuts for businesses and households. Trump has also stated that these tariffs could revive industries like steel, promising to lower taxes for U.S.-based manufacturers while protecting them with strong tariffs.

However, analysts argue that tariffs can harm U.S. businesses and consumers. Retailers relying on foreign production have warned they will pass the added cost of tariffs on to consumers. The National Retail Federation estimates that Americans could lose $46 billion to $78 billion annually in spending power if Trump follows through with his tariff plans. Additionally, studies show that a 60% tariff on Chinese goods and a 20% tariff on all imports could cost the average U.S. household an extra $2,600 a year. The Peterson Institute for International Economics also predicts that Trump's tariff policies would reduce incomes for lower- and middle-income households by 3.5% to 5% annually.

“We’ll continue to reduce our exposure to China, as we have done for over 10 years now, and continue increasing the diversity and resilience of our supplier base.”

Jose Gomez, Edwards Garment

Q: If Intensified Tariffs Are Enacted, Will Suppliers Increase Prices?

A: Yes, it is highly likely that increased tariffs will lead to price hikes in the promotional products industry. The exact increases will depend on factors like tariff rates, the country of origin for the products, and a supplier's ability to absorb additional costs.

Some executives believe China might devalue its currency to offset tariff costs, but this remains speculative. Overall, the expectation is that more tariffs will lead to price increases for promotional products in North America.

“If new tariffs are introduced, we will need to adjust our prices accordingly to maintain margins,” says Yuhling Lu, CEO of Ariel Premium Supply. Price adjustments will depend on the specifics of the tariffs and any additional costs in the supply chain. Some industry leaders predict price hikes will be product-dependent. For example, Jing Rong, Vice President at HPG, expects some products to experience price increases, but not all.

Meanwhile, a C-suite executive at a major supplier expects that if tariffs rise, they’ll be forced to pass the costs onto customers. Distributors will then need to decide whether they can absorb the higher costs or pass them on to clients. Some industry executives are concerned that higher product prices could push clients to alternative options like gift cards.

“No other country [than China] has the infrastructure to support what is required to manufacture the hard goods that we supply, and if they do the quality is terrible.”

Trevor Gnesin, Logomark

Q: Will Companies Relocate Manufacturing – Including to the U.S.?

A: While tariffs could incentivize some reshoring of promotional product manufacturing, a large-scale return to U.S. production is unlikely. Executives agree that the U.S. lacks the infrastructure, labor force, and cost-effective manufacturing conditions required to produce promotional products at scale.

Instead of a "Made-in-the-USA" resurgence, many suppliers will likely continue diversifying production in countries outside of China. This shift began before Trump's first term and accelerated due to the trade war and supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For example, some suppliers are increasingly sourcing from other Southeast Asian countries. HPG, for instance, has been expanding its supplier base beyond China. Similarly, BlueMark, a distributor based in California, has been establishing partnerships with manufacturers in Mexico to reduce dependency on Chinese products.

While shifting production to countries like Mexico may reduce exposure to Chinese tariffs, it doesn’t eliminate the risk of tariffs entirely, as Trump has proposed duties on imports from other nations as well. However, tariffs on other countries may be lower than those imposed on China.

“By communicating early, we’re helping clients plan accordingly while maintaining transparency.”

Josesph Shusterman, BlueMark

Q: How Are Distributors Addressing the Possibility of New Tariffs?

A: Distributors are taking different approaches to prepare for potential tariffs. Some are adopting a "wait and see" approach, while others are already making plans and communicating with clients.

BlueMark has started notifying clients about potential price increases due to tariffs, maintaining transparency and helping customers plan ahead. The company is also exploring ways to minimize tariff impacts, including utilizing Section 321 of the U.S. Trade Act, which allows for duty-free imports of up to $800 per person per day.

Fully Promoted is also preparing for possible price increases but plans to wait until more details are available before taking any action. They are focusing on keeping franchise owners informed and providing resources to help them navigate potential changes.

Other distributors, like Whitestone Branding, are preparing similar strategies, including creating "Tariff FAQs" for customers to address any concerns related to the new duties.

$74 Billion

The total duties paid on U.S. imports in 2020 following President Trump’s tariff actions in his first term. That figure doubled from $37 billion in 2015.

(Congressional Research Service)

Q: Does Trump Have the Authority to Impose Tariffs? When Might He?

A: Trump asserts that he has the authority to enact widespread tariffs, but his plans could face legal challenges from businesses and industry groups, as well as resistance from Congress.

During his first term, Trump used Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974 and Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to impose tariffs on Chinese goods and steel/aluminum imports. However, his broader tariff plans for his second term could exceed the scope of his previous actions, leading to potential legal pushback.

Lawsuits are already being prepared, with industry groups like the Consumer Technology Association planning to challenge the new tariffs in court. Some analysts suggest that these challenges could drag on for years, but Trump may push forward with his plans, potentially enacting tariffs before legal battles are resolved.

The total duties paid on U.S. imports doubled from $37 billion in 2015 to $74 billion in 2020 during Trump's first term. Some industry experts believe that Trump will follow through with his tariff plans quickly to avoid an economic inflation spike, though others expect him to pace his tariff actions to keep them as leverage in international trade.

In any case, the potential for higher tariffs looms, and businesses in the promotional products sector are advised to prepare accordingly to mitigate risks.

Link to Original Article on ASI