Pantone has named Mocha Mousse (PANTONE 17-1230) as the Color of the Year for 2025, describing it as simple, comforting, and reminiscent of chocolate and coffee. The rich brown hue is seen as an invitation to thoughtful indulgence and contentment across fashion, beauty, interior design, and other creative industries.
“We look to a mellow brown hue whose inherent richness and sensorial warmth extends into our desire for comfort and simple pleasures,” said Laurie Pressman, Pantone Color Institute Vice President.
Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone Executive Director, added that the color balances sophistication with a grounded, unpretentious elegance.
“Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, it extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe,” Eiseman said.
The Pantone Color Institute noted that Mocha Mousse can stand alone or serve as a foundation for a wide range of palettes and applications, from minimalist styles to intricate designs.
Textile and surface designer Olivia Jaro Lopez highlighted its versatility, saying the shade resonates with themes of introspection, resilience, and connection.
“It pairs beautifully with both vibrant tones for energy and softer hues for balance, inviting endless possibilities for exploration,” Lopez said.
gives off a comforting quality as it is reminiscent of coffee and chocolate
Lopez, an educator under the Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), affirmed it reflects the 2025 fashion trends and its intentional focus on authenticity, timelessness, and the shift towards sustainability, practicality, and versatility.
“During a time of digital saturation and rapid change, the calming and grounded Mocha Mousse provides a sense of stability and nostalgia,” she said.
Lopez recommended Mocha Mousse for wardrobe updates through quality pieces, layering, and textural play.
“It works well in monochromatic browns or with neutrals like beige, gray, or white,” she explained. “It can replace traditional black to offer a warmer, more refined base.”
The color aligns with the quiet luxury aesthetic, which focuses on understated elegance through quality fabrics like wool, silk, and leather. Accessories in Mocha Mousse, from handcrafted bags to eyewear, add a thoughtful and stylish touch to any ensemble.
In beauty, Mocha Mousse enhances a range of skin tones, offering versatility for both bold and subtle makeup looks. It works as a natural base for metallic or glossy finishes and pairs well with shades like Spicy Mustard, Rose Tan, or Cannoli Cream.
For interiors, the warm brown fosters comfort and sophistication, whether featured on floors, walls, or furniture in materials like wood, stone, rattan, and linen. It can serve as a neutral backdrop or as an accent shade, bringing a sense of grounded luxury to living spaces.
The selection of the Pantone Color of the Year follows a thorough analysis of global trends in entertainment, art, fashion, and design, as well as technological and lifestyle shifts.
