Pantone Colour of the Year: Why Peach Fuzz fails to live up to its essence

Each year, Pantone undertakes the task of designating ‘Colour of the Year' that is aimed to reflect the spirit of the times. For the year, 2024 - Peach Fuzz has been nominated as the representative shade that stands for human connection.

Leatrice Eiseman, the Executive Director of Pantone Colour Institute, shares: "Peach Fuzz captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It's a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body and soul."

Considering the shade's meaning and the enduring structural ruin unfolding in certain parts of the world (particularly, Ukraine and Palestine), does Peach Fuzz stand as a plea for human connection or a sneer at this sentiment?

In light of Pantone's recent unveiling of Peach Fuzz as the Colour of the Year for 2024, midday.com sought to explore the relevance of this hue in the context of the conflict unfolding globally. Mumbai-based architects and interior designers offer their perspectives on the shade and highlight how the shade fails to represent human connection.

Peach Fuzz - an appeal for human connection or a facade for tumult?
Whether Peach Fuzz is justified as the year's colour is subjective and context-driven. "In times of conflict and societal unrest, the relevance of a colour promoting human connection might seem incompatible," remarks Saniya Kantawala, principal designer and founder of Saniya Kantawala Design.

While Peach Fuzz conveys sentiments of kindness, its influence on the broader global scenario is limited given its ambiguity and overly pacifying tone, at a stage when we need collective strength and power.

The colour's symbolism fails to directly address or impact the complexities of geopolitical conflicts or humanitarian crises, adds Kantawala. The shade, much like its official toolkit - appears to be a bubble, a blissful oblivion.

However, experts have mixed views. Despite not directly addressing the destruction led by the Zionist militia in Gaza and the Russian offence against Ukraine - Peach Fuzz serves as a symbol of the collective yearning for empathy and unity, opines Rachna Agarwal, founder and design ideator of Studio IAAD.

"Promoting human connection through a colour choice like Peach Fuzz remains relevant even during global unrest," adds Agarwal.

According to her, incorporating warm and inviting colours into spaces evokes comfort and a sense of understanding, infusing solace amid chaos and fostering ideas of solidarity. The relevance of such an approach becomes crucial in times marked by instances of genocide, insurgencies and civic turmoil.

The colour provides a psychological respite amidst challenging global circumstances, experts affirm. In tandem, it is imperative to underscore the role of social media in exacerbating our anxieties.

"Our world has shrunk with the internet, and we can feel and see the happenings miles away from us in an instant. When our world is going through such tumultuous times, we want our spaces to cocoon us by making us feel safe," informs Devika Khosla, the creative director at The Works Interiors, Mumbai.

What does ‘Colour of the Year' owe to the world?

Pantone has a role beyond aesthetics, remarks Agarwal. Pantone, a significant player in the design and creative industry, inadvertently becomes a culture influencer.

"Though not directly within its purview, taking a stand for human rights could be conveyed symbolically through their colour selections, fostering conversations around important issues and promoting inclusivity," she adds. This perspective underscores the idea that Pantone's role transcends the visual realm to potentially impact broader social dialogues.

However, Kantiwala provides a counterpoint by emphasising that while Pantone could use its influential position to advocate for human rights, its primary responsibility remains centred around colour trends and design aesthetics.

This duality raises questions about the extent to which entities involved in forecasting trends and driving opinions, should engage in geo-political issues.
It prompts consideration of whether taking a stance for human rights aligns with ethical principles and whether such advocacy falls within the core responsibilities of a colour authority.

In a broader context, Khosla highlights the importance of individual voices in shaping societal progress. Regardless of the entity's size, every voice contributes to the building of collective conscience. This point of view iterates the potential impact of mass expression and dissent.

Gen Z mantra personified
Khosla brings attention to the idea that, despite the colour promoting human connection and warmth, it is crucial to embrace personal accountability over seeking solace in deception.

While Peach Fuzz may not directly mirror the Gen Z mantra of embracing reality over idealism ("delulu is the solulu"), its warm and cheerful essence can resonate with Gen Z's desire for positivity, suggests Kantiwala.

Agarwal adds another layer to the discussion, acknowledging that Peach Fuzz might not directly align with Gen Z's mantra of individuality but its soft, calming tone could still resonate with the generation's appreciation for mindfulness.

Azure, Fawn and Delphinium - Experts' pick
In considering a more fitting ‘Colour of the Year,' experts offer diverse perspectives, focusing on shades that symbolise resilience, unity, environmental consciousness and a return to nature.

Agarwal suggests deep azure blue for resilience, vibrant green for sustainability or a unifying gold shade for hope and solidarity, aligning with the global narrative of overcoming challenges and fostering positive change. "These colours have a universal resonance that captures the spirit of the times," he argues.

Kantiwala proposes a blend of earthy tones, particularly a warm, grounding fawn, to better encapsulate the global sentiments. This light yellowish-tan shade symbolises a return to nature, comfort, wisdom and trust.

Fawn embodies stability, grounding and mindfulness, fitting the narrative of energising spaces while emphasising sustainability. Kantiwala's suggestion highlights the importance of a colour that speaks to the need for balance in design and our lives.

In a more personal reflection, Khosla introduces Delphinium blue as a colour that holds personal significance due to her experience as a scuba diver. She describes it as the colour of his watery haven, beneath "whose calming surface unfolds an intricate ballet of life, whispering tales of the ocean's delicate dance," she describes.