Welcome back to the Creative Awards London blog where we bring you the latest insights and developments from our team of custom awards makers and designers. The New Year is finally here and with it the chance for a refresh and change. One of the big things that we look forward to at the start of the year is the announcement of Pantone’s Color of the Year. In today’s blog we dive into the history of this hallowed design stalwart and explore the Color of the Year for 2022. 

For over 20 years, Pantone’s Color of the Year has been the benchmark in the setting of trends and its influence can be felt in product development across multiple industries including fashion, home furnishings, industrial design as well as product packaging and graphic design. Last year, for the first time, 2021 witnessed a joint colour of the year - Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating. This year the American company returns to tradition with Pantone 17-3938 Very Peri. 

According to Pantone, the lilac/purple hue shows a “carefree confidence” and “daring curiosity” that serves as the platform to encourage creativity. Following on from the global Coronavirus pandemic, the colour seeks to help us adapt to our new world and to explore possibility as we redefine ourselves and our experiences. The harmonious blue influence further brings us a new perspective with its calming and balancing nature. Indeed, “Very Peri places the future ahead in a new light.”

Founded in 1950s, Pantone began life as a printing company before establishing its colour matching system in the 1960s. Now, the  Pantone Color Matching System is the world’s premier colour reproduction system that allows manufacturers and designers across different locations to match colours efficiently.

The choosing of the Color of the Year is a secretive process that is carefully considered by the judges. Influenced by trends, the colour experts at the  Pantone Color Institute explore the world searching for new colour influences. Inspiration, as you would expect, can come from a variety of industries including the entertainment industry, travel, art, fashion, of course, design. Now in its 24th year, the Color of the Year’s impact can be seen across the creative industries and our workshop is no exception. 

On first examination, Very Peri is not only symbolic of adaptation and transition but, practically-speaking, a very versatile colour. Whether used to lift and contrast with similar hues and shades (think purple, light and dark blues and pops of turquoise) or as the main tone set within crisp gun-metal greys and clean whites, the colour is multi-faceted. 

Our selection of colour-matched awards showcases some of our previous commissions where our teams have used the Pantone colour matching system to produce on-brand awards. We look forward to exploring the possibilities of Very Peri and look forward to showcasing our bespoke awards and trophies inspired by this uplifting colour. 

For more information on our custom awards and trophies, contact our team on 020 8159 2747 or via sales@creativeawardslondon.co.uk for a complimentary quotation and discussion as to your requirements.