Last week, everyone within the design, fashion, art, and other aesthetic-forward communities anxiously drummed their fingers in anticipation of the Pantone 2025 color of the year.

But first, some backstory. Pantone gave us the first color of the year in 2000. The selection process involves analyzing trends from multiple sectors such as fashion, entertainment, art, travel, and socio-economic conditions. This holistic approach is said to help Pantone connect the chosen color with the prevailing cultural zeitgeist.

This year’s color, Mocha Mousse, has had quite polarizing reactions. Some say the tranquil aesthetic is perfectly nailed, while others believe the ‘swamp water’ choice missed the mark a bit. Here’s our two cents on why this color might work.

1. Natural Connection. People welcoming the color choice are praising its natural, organic, and earthy qualities. This can be seen in themes of people seeking a quieter, more grounded lifestyle. Though I love these ideals, it strikes me as odd that this is a theme in 2025. All during the pandemic and in the years shortly after, we saw a lot of this trend within interior design. People rethought the way they lived, shifted priorities, and sought to make their homes feel more organic and tranquil since they were now spending more time there. Maybe it took 3-5 years for this aspiration to take root and for alternate businesses to start monetizing this trend.

2. Quiet Luxury. Another theory behind Mocha Mousse’s selection is the rise in quiet luxury. Consumers are seeking high-quality items that will last a long time, a minimalist and sustainable approach. There’s a growing desire for everyday pleasures and thoughtful indulgence, aligning with the quiet luxury trend. Younger generations are showing increased interest in authentic, culturally immersive experiences and sustainable practices within the luxury sector. This theory makes a lot of sense to me. We’ve seen the growth of “basics” clothing companies in the past few years and home decor that can be made to fit every season. People are seeking to maximize the use of the few items they do have.

1. The Anti-Trend. In a world of rapid technology change, explosive internet trends, and overnight cancel culture, I think there is also an element of Mocha Mousse that is the anti-trend. Mocha Mousse represents a desire for constancy and timelessness. People are gravitating towards colors and products that offer reliability and longevity, rejecting fleeting trends. As we see many prominent companies rebrand, there is an undertone of surety that brands are weaving into their identity. In an era of constant flux, sometimes the most revolutionary statement is choosing something that simply remains.