Colour Code

Main photo: Bottege Veneta’s Stretch Sandals - mesh and nappa with an elongated squared toe in egg yolk. (Photo: Bottega Veneta)

When Pantone Color Institute announced its colours for 2021, two for the first time, a collective sigh of exasperation echoed around the world. Did we really need reminding that the past year (perhaps this one as well) has been unremarkable grey? And did they have to compound that with an insipid yellow. Was the wardrobe outlook for 2021 going to be an uplifting ‘cloudy with a chance of puke’?

Certainly not, underlines Pantone in their media release. They were going for optimism and dependability. Optimism being yellow and dependability being a dull, boring grey. Now why exactly is dependability boring in their considered opinion is what we at The Front Rowwould like to know, but that’s a whole new conversation.

Bottege Veneta’s Medium Bulb drawstring shoulder bag in nappa with removable handles. Once again, in a delightful egg yolk hue. (Photo: Bottega Veneta)

Pantone’s yellow is ‘Illuminating’ (Pantone 13-0647), while the grey is ‘Ultimate Gray’ (Pantone 17-5104). We would have preferred a yellow with more oomph and a grey with more character, but then no one asked us.

So, what’s the big deal about Pantone Color Institute picking colours? Well, the colour giant’s choice informs the decision of designers across the board, and not just fashion and interior focussed. You see why it’s a big deal!

Pantone makes these colour decisions based on trends in fashion, architecture, art and the prevailing sentiment.“The selection of two independent colours highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting, conveying the idea that it’s not about one colour or one person, it’s about more than one. The union of an enduring ‘Ultimate Gray’ with thevibrantyellow ‘Illuminating’ expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude,” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a colour combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted, this is essential to the human spirit.”

Fortunately, designers use the Pantone research and choice as a baseline and run with it and fashion brands have given the yellow an unmistakable oomph.

In the accessories zone, Bottega Veneta has gone for an attention-grabbing hue, Fendi is in its comfort zone with an energetic statement, while Gucci and Louis Vuitton are in the warm territory.All are statement pieces.

LANVIN goes in for bow tie sandals with a chunky high heel, an open back and circle frames; Gucci’s Mini 1961 Jackie bag in a vivid shade of yellow comes with an additional, detachable shoulder strap that adds a contemporary feel to this archival style. (Photos: Lanvin & Gucci)

Yellow comes home to Fendi in these squqre toed yellow nubuck booties and its FFrame yellow jacquard pointed-toe ankle boots made of high-tech, jacquard with a mix of geometric, floral and FF motifs (Photos: Fendi). While Louis Vuitton opts for lace-up brogues in yellow with bold, graphic details in its Louis Vuitton’s Spring 2021 line. (Photo: Louis Vuitton)

Manolo Blahnik does a yellow turn with its Hangisi -Yellow satin almond toe pumps with a crystal buckle and a stiletto heel.(Photo: Manolo Blahnik)