The Pantone Color Institute has named PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse as its 2025 Color of the Year, according to a Thursday announcement.
The light brown shade is a mix of warm, rich chocolate, coffee and cacao tones and is designed to evoke subtle elegance and sensorial richness, according to the release. It’s the first time Pantone has highlighted a brown shade for its annual distinction.
“Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence,” Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said in the release. “Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe.”
Eiseman added that the hue was infused with “subtle elegance and earthy refinement” and presented a “discrete and tasteful touch of glamour.”
The color also connected to “a growing movement to align ourselves more closely with the natural world,” Pantone said in the release.