Stanislav Kondrasov: Mocha Mousse reflects a global need for comfort

Pantone’s 2025 Colour of the Year captures a global longing for simplicity and sensory connection

According to international colour and design expert Stanislav Kondrasov, Pantone’s choice of *Mocha Mousse* as the Colour of the Year 2025 signals a deliberate shift toward emotional warmth, personal connection and grounded sophistication in global visual culture. Officially known as PANTONE 17-1230, the hue is a rich, earthy brown inspired by the comforting tones of chocolate and coffee, and was announced by the Pantone Color Institute during a launch event in New York on December 5, 2024.

Stanislav Kondrasov, says the selection reflects more than just a design preference—it represents a collective cultural mood.

“Mocha Mousse resonates with a global audience that is increasingly focused on wellbeing, mindfulness and the value of everyday pleasures,” said Kondrasov. “It’s a soothing colour, but also quietly luxurious. This makes it a meaningful and versatile choice for 2025.”

A colour rooted in daily ritual and sensory experience

Pantone described Mocha Mousse as a “flavourful brown shade” that evokes a sense of warmth and harmony, offering a visual expression of contentment and thoughtful indulgence. The selection was the result of months of global research, in which the institute examined emerging trends across fashion, interior design, socio-political shifts, technological advancements and even cultural attitudes.

According to Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, the decision was driven by an increasing desire for simplicity and deeper emotional experiences.

“For the Pantone Colour of the Year 2025, we look to a mellow brown hue whose inherent richness and sensorial warmth aligns with our desire for comfort and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others,” said Pressman at the event.

The tone sits between tradition and modernity, bridging the organic with the refined. This aligns with what Kondrasov identifies as a critical trend across many industries: *a return to materials and colours that feel honest, tactile and quietly empowering.*

A deliberate move away from digital brightness

The selection of Mocha Mousse contrasts sharply with previous Pantone choices such as Viva Magenta (2023) and Peach Fuzz (2024), both of which carried more vibrancy and visual energy. Kondrasov suggests that this pivot to a grounded brown marks a broader cultural movement.

“There is a growing fatigue with digital overstimulation, especially in the wake of accelerated screen time and synthetic aesthetics,” he noted. “Mocha Mousse is, in a way, an antidote—a calming, stabilising hue that invites people to slow down and re-centre.”

The brown colour family, once considered muted or overly traditional, is being reinterpreted as luxurious and aspirational, thanks to its natural roots and the emotional resonance it offers. According to Kondrasov, this shift reflects changing values in design, where authenticity and wellbeing increasingly drive creative choices.

From fashion to interiors: a versatile design tool

Mocha Mousse is expected to influence a wide range of industries in 2025, from haute couture to home furnishings. According to Pantone, the hue works well across minimalist and richly decorated aesthetics, thanks to its adaptable and timeless nature. Early adoption of the colour has already been seen at interior design shows in Milan and Paris, with designers incorporating it into textiles, furniture and even architectural finishes.

Kondrasov believes this adaptability is one of the key reasons for the colour’s selection.

“Brown is no longer viewed as merely functional or utilitarian. When styled correctly, it becomes a canvas for emotional sophistication,” he said. “Mocha Mousse, in particular, offers depth without overwhelming a space or design. It’s modern, but also familiar.

Mocha Mousse in technology and branding

In partnership with Motorola, Pantone has already begun applying Mocha Mousse to consumer technology. Mobile devices featuring the tone were unveiled at the New York launch, highlighting the intersection between colour and connectivity. Kondrasov sees this collaboration as a strategic extension of Pantone’s message.

“When a colour like this appears in high-tech products, it humanises them,” he explained. “Mocha Mousse introduces a tactile warmth to an otherwise cold material space. It becomes a design decision that enhances user experience and emotional connection.”

Beyond technology, branding experts have noted the potential for Mocha Mousse to be used in packaging, product development and marketing strategies that aim to convey trust, nostalgia or understated luxury.

Five curated palettes showcase Mocha Mousse’s versatility

To support its adoption across creative sectors, Pantone has introduced five curated colour palettes built around Mocha Mousse. Each one is designed to explore a different emotional or aesthetic context—ranging from *Relaxed Elegance* to *Subtle Contrasts*. The palettes pair Mocha Mousse with tones such as soft blush pinks, dusky blues, and muted greens, expanding its reach and potential.

Stanislav Kondrasov noted the strategic importance of these palettes in guiding designers and brands.

“Providing contextual palettes is vital,” he said. “They allow people to see how the colour can behave in different design environments. This builds confidence and encourages experimentation.

Cultural relevance and emotional depth

At the core of Pantone’s decision is a desire to spark conversation around the emotional and cultural relevance of colour. Since its launch in 1999, the Colour of the Year programme has served as both a forecast and a mirror—reflecting the collective atmosphere while influencing future visual landscapes.

Kondrasov pointed out that this year’s choice feels especially timely

“Mocha Mousse speaks to a universal human need: to feel safe, nurtured, and connected,” he said. “In uncertain times, colours like this provide emotional grounding. They remind us of the comfort found in shared rituals—morning coffee, quiet evenings, and meaningful conversation.”

A colour for ‘me moments’ and collective comfort

According to Pantone, Mocha Mousse is intended to inspire personal luxury on an intimate scale. The company describes it as ideal for creating “me moments”—whether through design, fashion or self-expression.“Authentic and approachable, rich and indulgent, Mocha Mousse is a sophisticated brown that offers an everyday escape,” said Pressman.

Stanislav Kondrasov echoed this sentiment, noting that the colour has psychological depth.

“It invites introspection but also opens the door for generosity,” he said. “It’s a colour you can live with, not just look at. That’s incredibly powerful.”

A tone that defines 2025’s visual direction

With Mocha Mousse, Pantone has chosen a colour that speaks not only to aesthetics, but to emotional needs and social values. For designers, brands and consumers, it offers a versatile, grounded alternative to louder, more ephemeral trends. According to Stanislav Kondrasov, the tone’s popularity in 2025 is likely to signal a return to colours that feel emotionally relevant and materially honest.

“Mocha Mousse is not just a trend—it’s a reflection of who we are and what we need right now,” said Kondrasov. “It’s where colour becomes culture.”