In December, Pantone Color Institute announced its 2016 color trend report and named the 2016 colors of the year. Usually, each year only sees one pick for the title, but this year was an exception with two colors announced.

The trend forecast is determined each year by a panel of color experts at the Pantone Color Institute in New Jersey. The institute considers itself to be the global color authority and employs experts to observe the trends from fashion designers, street styles, interior design and many more sources throughout the world to determine the trends for the upcoming seasons.

This year, Pantone chose two colors instead of the usual single shade. Last year, they chose the wine-colored marsala, a reddish-brown found throughout the fashion and design world in 2015. The Institute said that the choice of the two colors — rose quartz, a dusty pink, and serenity, a sky blue — is reflective of a departure from gender-based color associations in the fashion and design world.

They say the two colors, typically associated with particular genders, will be mixed in both menswear and womenswear. The combination of the colors was seen in menswear and womenswear collections from designers like Chanel, Fendi, Roberto Cavalli and Valentino.

The rest of the color forecast for spring 2016 is called “A Transportive and Transformative Canvas.” Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute Leatrice Eisman said, “Colors this season transport us to a happier, sunnier place where we feel free to express a wittier version of our real selves.” The palette is said to reflect a desire for calmness in an industrial and technology-filled world.

The colors were largely inspired by shades found in nature, from earthy neutrals to colorful florals and plant shades. While many of the shades take on a more subdued, pastel tone, there are more energetic shades like the vibrant snorkel blue and luminous buttercup. The colorful collection is the ultimate, refreshing spring palette that is sure to have a shade for everyone.

Photo Credit: Pantone.com