As we look ahead to 2025, Pantone has unveiled its much-anticipated Colour of the Year: Mocha Mousse.
If you are unfamiliar, the Pantone Color Institute™ is the global authority on colour. More than 10 million designers and manufacturers worldwide rely on its tools to define, communicate and apply colour consistently. Our oodlers are among them.
Introducing Pantone 17-1230
This year’s choice is Mocha Mousse (Pantone 17-1230), a rich, chocolatey brown with warm undertones. It is more than just a trending colour. It represents a broader cultural moment that blends nostalgic familiarity with modern elegance.
Drawing inspiration from 1990s colour palettes and today’s love of minimalist luxury, Mocha Mousse is both classic and current. If a brand like Kim Kardashian’s Skims were translated into a single hue, this might be it. It is neutral, cosy, sleek and quietly confident.
Brown is the New Black in a 90s Revival
Trends in fashion and design often repeat, and the 1990s are having their moment once again. That decade’s deep browns — seen in everything from oversized leather jackets to matte lipstick — offered an earthy warmth and depth that is making a welcome return.
Mocha Mousse is a nod to that era, but with a contemporary twist. It evokes the same inviting tone but with modern simplicity. This is a colour that brings a sense of calm and substance. It feels timeless without feeling dated.
More Than Just a Colour
Pantone’s Colour of the Year often reflects what is happening culturally and emotionally. Mocha Mousse signals a desire for calm, sensuality and comfort. As our lives become more digital and fast-paced, this rich tone encourages us to pause, slow down and reconnect with tactile, grounded experiences.
It reminds us of warm cocoa, soft knits and moments of indulgence. This is not a loud or attention-seeking colour, but one that gently invites trust, intimacy and ease.
How to Use Mocha Mousse in Your Creative Projects
Mocha Mousse is not just a great choice for fashion or interiors. It offers a wealth of potential across branding, marketing and design. Here are some ideas for incorporating it into your work:
Branding and Logos
Mocha Mousse conveys warmth, elegance and reliability. It pairs well with gold or copper accents for a luxury feel, or with soft neutrals like beige or ivory for a clean, modern look. It is ideal for brands in wellness, fashion, beauty and food sectors.
Packaging Design
For product packaging, this shade creates a premium first impression. Combined with kraft paper or natural textures, it feels rustic and grounded. Use spot UV or foil detailing to elevate it with a polished, high-end aesthetic.
Print Collateral
As a background colour, Mocha Mousse provides richness without overpowering a layout. It creates a sense of depth, making text and imagery stand out. To maintain balance, pair it with white or cream for contrast and clarity.
Editorial and Magazine Design
In print layouts, Mocha Mousse works well for headers, sidebars and backgrounds. It complements both muted photography and bold imagery. Add energy to the palette with touches of dusty rose, earthy green or sky blue.
Digital Design
On screen, this tone offers sophistication and warmth without being too bright. It works beautifully as a hero background or accent colour for website banners, graphics and social media posts. Layer with gradients or shadows to add texture and depth.
A Timeless Choice for a New Year
Pantone has chosen a colour that is both versatile and emotive. Mocha Mousse is a shade we expect to see throughout 2025 – in fashion, interiors, packaging and brand storytelling.
Of course, trend colours should never override your core brand identity. But for businesses looking to refresh their image or add richness to upcoming campaigns, Mocha Mousse offers a stylish, considered option.
Let’s embrace the inspiration it offers and see where this comforting, elegant tone takes us creatively in 2025.
