Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025, Mocha Mousse, embodies a balance of comfort and sophistication. Its versatile, muted elegance offers significant opportunities for retail, design, and beyond. Here’s how this trend-forward hue is being used in retail and design.
Comfort and Luxury in a Color
The rise of neutral tones mirrors increasing consumer demand for sustainability and wellness-focused aesthetics, while capturing the consumer desire for harmony and indulgence. Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, notes, “This color expresses thoughtful indulgence—sophisticated and lush yet unpretentious.”
For retailers, this means an opportunity to integrate design elements that foster comfort and elevate the shopping experience, catering to the emotional needs of customers in uncertain times. The rise of Mocha Mousse reflects larger cultural trends toward grounding and stability. As consumers navigate economic and social uncertainties, colors that evoke warmth and comfort—like this richly muted brown—are increasingly appealing.
“I think we’ve all been exhausted by gray. Its warmth lends itself to richness in materials and other colors, which can create rejuvenating, calming spaces. It feels luxurious without being over-the-top; without risk or overstimulation, it is furthering our ideas taking shape around quiet luxury.”
Brands Embracing Mocha Mousse
There are already a number of brands leaning into this trending color.
Mark Wilson writes for Fast Company, “When Pantone shows me its 2025 Color of the Year, the first thing I see is Skims. Then Fear of God sweatsuits. Yeezy. All flavors of taupe-adjacent Nike. The new Beats by Dre.”
High Snobiety says with the help of Miami sneaker retailer Solefly, they turned Nike’s Air Jordan 12 in Baroque Brown “into an ultra-decadent coffee-coded stepper.”
From fashion—like Complex Shop’s curated collections of hoodies, shoes, and accessories—to home goods, the color’s neutrality and sophistication enhance product appeal. Coffee Hound Coffee Company even created a Mocha Mousse espresso drink to extend the theme to culinary experiences, highlighting its versatility.
“The colour’s neutrality and sophistication make it ideal for a broad range of applications. Whether in fashion, home decor, beauty, or tech accessories, Mocha Mousse can enhance product appeal. For example, in the fashion sector, it complements sustainable fabrics and minimalist designs. In home goods, it’s the perfect backdrop for cosy, inviting interiors.”
Mocha Mousse in Retail Design
Retailers have the chance to integrate Mocha Mousse in ways that enhance customer experiences while maintaining visual appeal. While its muted tones offer versatility, overuse could risk a monotone aesthetic. Strategic integration ensures it supports brand storytelling and engagement.
Design Tips:
- Rich Textures and Materials: Incorporate Mocha Mousse through velvet or suede furniture and accents, paired with gold or ivory for a touch of sophistication.
- Contrasting Palettes: Use complementary colors like deep green, cream, or warm metallics to maintain visual interest.
- Sensory Engagement: Introduce mocha-based scents and soft, café-inspired lighting to create an immersive, inviting environment.
- Experiential Highlights: Include interactive features like branded café spaces offering mocha-inspired drinks or product personalization stations to connect the theme to customer experiences.
- Art and Décor: Display abstract artwork or accent pieces featuring swirling mocha and cream tones to reinforce the theme subtly.
Will Mocha Make its Mark?
According to Vogue Business, Pantone’s accuracy with their color choice can be hit or miss. It hit big with Viva Magenta in 2022 as Barbie pink took over the world, but missed the mark with Peach Fuzz. However, Mocha Mousse is predicted to be a huge success.
Brown-hued items dominated fashion sourcer Gab Waller’s luxury requests list, she says. “If 2024 is anything to go by, Pantone is on the right track. This year signaled a big moment for the color brown.”
“Use Mocha Mousse strategically, not letting it rule your experience,” says Uhazy. “Allow it to bring the warmth it has into the space while pairing it with other textures and colors to not fall into the single-tone monotony surrounding us every day.”
For retail designers, Mocha Mousse is more than a seasonal color trend—it represents a strategic opportunity for brands to connect with consumer desires for comfort, sophistication, and emotional grounding. By incorporating this versatile hue thoughtfully across retail design and product offerings, businesses can strengthen brand loyalty and enhance the shopping experience. Embracing this trend positions brands at the forefront of consumer preferences, fostering deeper connections and driving long-term success in a competitive market.
Read about Pantone’s 2024 Color of the Year: A Designer’s Take on Pantone’s Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz
