Classic Blue is Pantone's colour of the year for 2020 symbolising calm, confidence and connection

While this year's Living Coral was "animating and life-affirming", 2020's cobalt blue "brings a sense of peace and tranquillity to the human spirit, offering refuge."

Said to be restful, aiding concentration and bringing clarity to "recentre our thoughts", Classic Blue is meant as reflective and "a dependable and stable foundation from which to build", particularly at a time when technology continues to race ahead and global events continue to make us feel off-balance. Non-aggressive, it's associated with the return of another day.

"We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director at the Pantone Colour Institute. "A boundless blue evocative of the vast and infinite evening sky, Classic Blue encourages us to look beyond the obvious to expand our thinking; challenging us to think more deeply, increase our perspective and open the flow of communication."

For the first time, Pantone has launched a 'multisensory' approach to its big announcement; one that includes not just the sight of its chosen hue, but also the taste, texture, scent and sound.

It has partnered with Firmenich, AudioUX, LANDR, and The Inside to bring the colour to life. From fragrance and flavours to music and textiles, you'll also get to see how Classic Blue tastes, smells, looks and feels.

"The Pantone Colour of the Year highlights the relationship between trends in colour and what is taking place in our global culture at a moment in time. A colour that reflects what individuals feel they need that colour can hope to answer," said Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute.

To discover more, visit www.pantone.com.