Put the dreary 2020 behind and start the new year refreshed with fresh shots of colour for your home and your wardrobe. And no better ones to choose then the Pantone Color of the Year for 2021: Ultimate Gray (Pantone 17-5104) and Illuminating (Pantone 13-0647).
ICYDK, Pantone’s Color of the Year is a reputable colour trend forecast that helps set the tone for the shades and hues that will guide the retail and design, choices and products for the year. For the first time in its 22-year history, two colours are chosen, to express how two different, independent elements can come together, support one another and be aspirational colours to lend hope, strength and positivity to the human spirit – it’s a wonderful thought to stand behind.
First off, we spotlight Ultimate Gray, chosen for being (according to Pantone) “emblematic of solid and dependable elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation… quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience.” Like the colour of pebbles on the beach and even our own familiar concrete pathways in Singapore, then. Here’s how you can build variations of this colour of fortitude and strength into your home and wardrobe with this selection of fashion items and house ware. (And make sure to look out for “The Illuminating Edition” where we curate items that are of a vibrant yellow!)
Boxer Trainer sweatshirt, $290, biro
Go mono and comfy with this raglan sweatshirt from lauded menswear SG brand, biro. Instead of just one wash of gray, there’s two hues of the colour, textured with white speckles to keep things interesting but subtle. You can look cool and keep cosy, too, as it’s made with Air Float Technology and 100% Japanese Premium French Terry.
Available at Shouten, 333A Orchard Road, Mandarin Gallery, #03-23, 238897; www.birocompany.com
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AIRism Duvet Cover, $59.90 (Single), $79.90 (Double), Uniqlo
Here’s a positive spin on how you can make your bed and lie in it – buy a gray polyester-cupro duvet. Made of the Japanese brand’s proprietary AIRism tech, it’s quick-to-dry and wicks moisture, meaning that you stay dry and comfy while snoozing through humid nights. Plus, it’s easier to put through the laundry cycle since it’s faster to wash and dry. Note: It’s an online exclusive so hit up Uniqlo’s website, not its multiple stores.
Only available from uniqlo.com/sg
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XL Dumpling Bag, $89, Beyond The Vines
No, this is not meant for carrying dumplings, but a lightweight carryall bag from hipster-beloved SG brand Beyond The Vines. It not only goes with any casual-cool outfit, it’s also great for daily use since it’s made of textured water-resistant nylon, has an elasticated opening, a flap pocket, a D-ring for you to attach keys or smaller pouches to, and two handles of different lengths for you to either hand carry or sling it across your shoulder. Oh, and since it as an “XL”, it’s roomy (and more than fashionable enough) to stuff your gym gear in.
Available at Beyond The Vines Design Store, 391 Orchard Road, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City, #B1-42/46, 238872; www.beyondthevines.com
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Recycled Bottles Polyester Loop Pile Rug, $149 (140cm x 200cm) /$209 (200cm x 200 cm), Muji
If you are looking to spring clean and do up your room in a very liveable neutral palette, then trust to find something of worth in Muji for your decor, such as this rug. Made from recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles (like the common plastic soft drink bottles), this rug is not only eco-friendly, but also durable and comfy enough for the whole family and you to rest on for either work or play.
Available at Muji stores, multiple locations, www.muji.com/sg/
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Line Pocket Tee, $69, Graye
If you are an everyday-tee kind of guy, why not level yourself up with this modern take on this humble staple? Designed by Xie Qian Qian, the founder of ready-to-wear SG menswear label Graye (how coincidental), this T-shirt in Morandi Grey not only looks clean and minimal (read: easy to pair), it’s also functional and comfortable: It’s got two hidden pockets on the left side of the tee, and is made from superior Supima cotton. And if tees are indeed your daily uniform, then you can order and rotate this with the Olive Green and Midnight Blue versions as well.
Available at Graye, ECR Studio, 29A East Coast Road, 428750, grayestudio.com; www.facebook.com/grayestudio; www.instagram.com/grayestudio
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Concrete Jungle Antimicrobial Face Mask (Monocolour) – Singapore Story Series, $20, CYC Made to Measure
If you are going to be wearing face masks in the months to come, might as well make it an interesting one instead of a boring, plain one. Designed by esteemed SG tailors, CYC Made to Measure, this reusable face mask is made from premium Egyptian cotton, comes with adjustable ear loops and an inner pocket to hold filter inserts. But the main reason why you should wear this daily? The striking charcoal-grey print illustrations of Gardens by the Bay, The Singapore Flyer and Jewel Changi Airport, but of course.
Available at CYC Made to Measure stores, multiple locations, cyctailor.com; www.facebook.com/CYCmadetomeasure; www.instagram.com/cyctailor
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Limited Edition Mug, Pantone Color Of The Year 2021 – Ultimate Gray And Illuminating, $33, Pantone
How can we talk about Pantone’s chosen 2021 colours without featuring their own branded products? Here’s the best gift you can present to anyone for any occasion: the all-dependable mug. But it’s not your regular meh mug since it’s handmade from fine china and has each colour painted on either side of it. Better get it stat because the other two bev vessels – the expresso cup and cortado cup – are sold out. One problem though: The Pantone online store currently only ships to U.S. states and Canada, so your best bet is to have a friend or family member in either country or a proxy shipping service to help you buy and courier it over.
Available from www.pantone.com
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All products are subject to availability and prices are subject to change. Prices stated are correct as of time of posting and is based on current exchange rates.
