The Art of Contrast: Pantone’s Dualities Palette Redefines Color at NYFW 2024
Pantone has once again set the stage for color innovation with the launch of Pantone FHI Dualities, a collection of 175 new colors that debuted at New York Fashion Week 2024. These colors mark a significant moment for the brand, as they are divided into two distinct palettes—Shadows and New Age Pastels—reflecting a balance of grounded, moody tones and light-filled hues. It’s a collection designed to push boundaries in both fashion and interiors, offering designers a new toolkit to express a world of contrasts.
The Power of Duality: Shadows and New Age Pastels
The Shadows palette explores the subtle nuances of grey, navigating the space between black and white. Warm and cool tints are expertly balanced, providing designers with an opportunity to create a sense of calm, new beginnings, and understated elegance. These colors aren’t just about shadows—they add depth and sophistication, serving as a foundation for creativity where subtle details make a bold statement.
In contrast, New Age Pastels breathe life into soft hues. These pastels are not the muted tones of the past—they are bubbly, playful, and full of energy. With shades like light-infused yellow, mint green, and lavender, this palette offers designers a fresh yet calming approach to color, perfect for creating modern, uplifting designs.
As Tannese Williams, head of Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors, explains, “We’re living in an era where the push for technology and innovation meets a renewed desire for simplicity and meaning. The Dualities collection allows designers to express this contrast in a way that feels relevant and modern.”
Pantone FHI Dualities Swatches; Image Source: Pantone
Bringing Color to Life: Pantone x Janavi by Bibhu Mohapatra
To demonstrate the versatility of the Dualities palettes, Pantone has collaborated with luxury cashmere brand Janavi and acclaimed designer Bibhu Mohapatra. Mohapatra, celebrated for his bold use of color and intricate designs, has used the new palettes to create a stunning collection of shawls, which debuted on the runway during NYFW 2024. These shawls are more than just accessories—they represent the seamless integration of the new Pantone colors into high fashion.
Pantone FHI Dualities Day & Night Shawls, Jana by Bibhu Mohapatra; Image Source: Pantone
“Being the first to work with these new colors has been an exciting journey,” says Mohapatra. “The Dualities palettes allowed me to explore the full spectrum of my creative ideas, bringing a sense of depth and lightness that perfectly reflects today’s design sensibilities.”
Janavi’s commitment to craftsmanship shines through in this collaboration, with founder Jyotika Jhalani stating, “We believe in the magic of heritage craftsmanship, and these colors from Pantone gave us the ability to infuse our work with fresh energy. It’s been an inspiring process.”
The shawls will be available for purchase after their exclusive in-store debut at Mohapatra’s Tribeca flagship on September 12, with global availability to follow at high-end retailers.
Beyond Fashion: Pantone’s Dualities Across Industries
While fashion may have been the starting point, the Dualities palette has far-reaching implications across multiple industries. Pantone has partnered with key players in interior design, technology, and graphic design to showcase the impact of these colors in everyday applications. Ultrafabrics and Haworth are introducing the Dualities palette into premium textiles and furniture designs, proving that these colors have a transformative effect on both form and function.
Pantone FHI Dualities, Ultrafabrics and Haworth; Image Source: Pantone
In the digital world, CLO Virtual Fashion and CorelDRAW are leveraging the Dualities collection to enhance the realism and vibrancy of their 3D designs and digital illustrations. Even the cycling world is getting a splash of Pantone’s new shades, with Trek Bicycle incorporating the Dualities palette into their custom designs.
Pantone FHI Dualities, TREK Bikes; Image & Video Source: Pantone
From rugs handwoven by Ennui Home to high-tech sporting goods, Pantone’s Dualities palette is proof that color can transcend boundaries and industries, reshaping how we interact with design on every level.
Pantone FHI Dualities, Ennui Home; Image Source: Pantone
Looking Ahead: A New Era of Color Innovation
Pantone’s Dualities collection is more than just a response to current trends—it’s a forward-looking exploration of where color is headed. With its perfect balance of depth and brightness, the collection offers designers the tools they need to express the complexities of today’s world while staying attuned to the future.
For more information on the new Pantone Dualities collection and its applications, visit Pantone.com.
