We've had multiple dictionary words of the year, curated playlists of our favourite songs of the year and now, we've got the colour of the year.

This year's hue, according to design experts, is a soft and chocolatey brown known as "Mocha Mousse 17-1230".

This is decided by the PANTONE Colour Institute, a "global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards".

The institute says the colour reminds people of the comfort and quality of coffee or chocolate.

With that in mind, it seems fitting the images used to describe the shade show heaping bowls of velvety chocolate mousse and rich leather.

But what is the colour of the year's actual significance?

What is colour of the year?

The company has a trademarked system for matching colours that is used by print, manufacturing, marketing and design industries to reproduce exact shades of a precise colour.

Each year since 1999, it has declared a very specific shade as the colour for the upcoming year.

It's not the most popular colour from the year just gone, it's a projection for the next year.

It's a mix between a trend forecast and their preference.

What does colour of the year mean?

You could be seeing more brands and products using the colour in 2025.

But, that's not always the case.

You might think brat green had its moment this year or you're more of a pastel person.

But shades of brown have become an on-trend colour in the fashion world.

In September 2024, Elle Magazine described shades of chocolate brown as an "it" colour.

Vogue Business wrote that the colour dominated runways in 2024, anticipating the trend will continue into next year.

Who decides colour of the year?

The colour institute originally created the Colour of the Year to "engage the design community and colour enthusiasts around the world in a conversation around colour".

A team of "global colour experts" get together to make the decision, according to the company.

People who make up the team come from a wide range of design, cultural, and geographical backgrounds, according to vice-president Laurie Pressman.

Last year, in an article on the company's website, Ms Pressman said the team "combs the world looking for new colour influences".

"This can include the entertainment industry and films in production, travelling art collections and new artists, fashion, all areas of design, aspirational travel destinations, new lifestyles, play styles, or enjoyable escapes, as well as socio-economic conditions," she wrote.

"Influences may also stem from new technologies, materials, textures and effects that impact colour, relevant social media platforms, and even upcoming sporting events that capture worldwide attention."

Why Mocha Mousse?

Mocha Mousse is "underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures and expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence," says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the institute.

The institute provided many descriptions of it's interpretation of the shade:

"Infused with subtle elegance and earthy refinement, Mocha Mousse presents a discrete and tasteful touch of glamour."

"We look to a colour that reaches into our desire for comfort and wellness, and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others."

"Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe."

What was the 2024 Colour of the Year?

This year's colour was orangey pink, dubbed "Peach Fuzz".

It was described as a "velvety gentle peach whose all-embracing spirit enriches heart, mind and body".

Ms Pressman last year said the shade offered "a fresh approach to a new softness" and was "subtly sensual".

The influence of the Colour of the Year was seen on red carpets and runways by some of the most influential celebrities throughout 2024.

Actors such as Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Cate Blanchett, Colman Domingo, Donald Glover and Ayo Edibiri were pictured in peachy-toned gowns and suits at several major award ceremonies.