As we step into the New Year, the conversation around color takes center stage once again, with global trendsetters, industry leaders, and creatives aligning to celebrate hues that define the zeitgeist of 2025. This year, the spotlight shines on two remarkable colors: Mocha Mousse and Future Dusk. From their bold presence on the global stage to their captivating influence on the jewelry and watch industry, these colors are setting the tone for a year of innovation and elegance. Today I analyze the stories behind these shades and take a sneak peek at the vibrant palette that awaits us in 2026 and beyond.
On December 5, 2024, at the annual launch party in New York, the Pantone Color Institute unveiled Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. This soft, warming brown encapsulates a global mood of connection, comfort, and harmony—qualities deeply desired in today’s ever-changing world. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, described it as “a sophisticated and lush hue that nurtures with its delectable associations to chocolate and coffee while elevating perceptions of brown from grounded and humble to aspirational and luxe.” This versatile shade offers an earthy elegance, standing alone or serving as a strong foundation to enhance palettes across design disciplines. When it comes to the jewelry and watch industry, this color is not the easiest one to apply. Of course, it might raise the use of brown tones. Gemstones like smoky quartz, cognac diamonds, and chocolate moonstone might become more popular and in demand. When it comes to watches, it is much easier to apply the brown color between the dial and bracelet. This choice was quite controversial, and I can understand that this color is not the simplest one to integrate. Don’t panic, though—we have another option for this year.
Coloro and WGSN introduced Future Dusk as their Color of the Year for 2025. This dark, moody hue straddles blue and purple, evoking mystery and escapism while reflecting themes of transition and immense change. With its familiarity and futuristic appeal, Future Dusk is set to resonate across industries, from classic investment pieces in fashion to striking applications in interiors and packaging. Future Dusk’s gender-inclusive versatility and its role as a reassuring color in an era of uncertainty position it as a staple for the year ahead. As captivating tinted darks gain traction, this hue will provide both comfort and intrigue. You can read more about it here: https://blissfromparis.com/en/color-of-the-year-2024/
WGSN and Coloro’s collaboration continues, and they have unveiled the color forecasts for 2026-2027, reflecting a need for balance, cheerfulness, and stability.
The palette includes Transformative Teal: chosen as the color of the year 2026, this blend of classic navy blue and aquatic green symbolizes a period of change and reorientation. This blue-green fusion embodies resilience, eco-accountability, and a renewed Earth-first mindset, aligning with growing consumer demands for sustainability and innovation. Transformative Teal’s cooling and restorative nature draws inspiration from “the overview effect,” offering a transformative vision for the future. This tone makes me think about teal sapphire or tourmaline indicolite. It could be very easily translated with titanium as well.
To finish my color report, let’s take a look at the annual trend report by Pinterest. Pinterest Predicts highlights two emerging trends that will shape consumer choices across categories:
Cherry Coded: Dark cherry red dominates as a favorite among Gen Z and Millennials, influencing everything from makeup and interiors to cocktails and cars. This tart and sweet tone is poised to capture hearts with its bold vibe.
Goddess Complex: Embracing the divine feminine, Boomers and Gen X are gravitating towards gold-inspired aesthetics. From gilded facials to sublime nail designs, 2025 is all about reclaiming power and channeling elegance through golden hues.
May the deep red and golden colors be more popular in 2025? For sure, both are very easily applied into jewels and watches. From rubies to garnets, red is one of the most important colors used in the jewelry sector. All shades of gold, gold-filled, or gold-plated items might be more in vogue in 2025 as the price of real gold skyrockets.
The interplay of colors—from the comforting warmth of Mocha Mousse to the enigmatic allure of Future Dusk—underscores how hues transcend mere aesthetics to embody cultural attitudes and aspirations. Red or gold, this year again, color is the great asset not to be missed in your upcoming creations. As we look forward to Transformative Teal and its counterparts in 2026, one thing is clear: color remains a powerful lens through which we navigate and express our evolving world.
