When it comes to colors, the Pantone Color Institute has been a true trendsetter for some time. Every new color that the institute publishes or even just mentions promptly turns into a trend and so the Pantone Color of the Year is chosen every year, which, together with other Pantone colors, also influences the fashion world. We already have them for youPantone Color of the Year 2020and previous years presented. But now a new shade of red is in the spotlight, which also has a very specific goal: The so-called period red, a strong, self-confident and adventurous shade of red, takes up the taboo topic of “menstruation” and is intended to draw attention to the fact that the recurring female cycle is a natural one Period and anything but a sensitive topic.
The Pantone color was inspired by the constant menstrual flow. By the way, the color was developed in collaboration with a gynecologist and with the Swedish brand for women's hygiene products “Intimina”. However, the color should be viewed more like a symbol and not an exact representation - after all, blood can have different shades of red, which also varyduring menstruationchange. That's also why a reader on Instagram suggested that the Pantone Color Institute should develop an entire Pantone color palette that represents all period colors.
What was particularly well received by the women naturally also attracted some opponents. Men in particular were more likely to express disgust on social media, which just proves once again that it is high time to change the way people think. Terms like “strawberry days,” “I have my days,” and “red days,” which are used as euphemisms in everyday life, basically show how uncomfortable people are with talking about the topic, even in the 21st century. And although modern society already seems to be moving in the right direction in this regard, the situation in many parts of the world is still tragic.
Tabuthema “Menstrutation”
In some cultures, a menstruating woman is considered unclean. This thinking extends to the point where women have to live in isolation during their period. This is the case in some areas of Nepal. During this isolation period, it is not uncommon for deaths to occur. And while it may seem almost impossible to change thinking in such cultures, steps like the Pantone color “period” are a small step towards improvement.”Around the world today, millions of women and girls still suffer from the stigma , which is associated with periods,” says Jillian Popkins, director of action assistance at Policy Aid. “Many girls miss important days of school or even drop out altogether, which is one reason so many women around the world experience lifelong poverty.”
Red Pantone color 2020 for a campaign
The color was developed for a campaign by Intimina called “Seen+Heard”, which encourages people of both genders to talk more openly about menstruation. Period Red “encourages people who menstruate to be proud of who they are,” says Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, further adding that the goal is to “get everyone, regardless of gender, to embrace themselves to feel comfortable speaking spontaneously and openly about this pure and natural bodily function.”
And of course it is - because without it, reproduction would be quite difficult, wouldn't it? However, “despite the fact that billions of people menstruate, periods have historically been treated as something that should not be seen and not talked about,” says Danela Žagar, global brand manager at Intimina. “Enough is enough, it's 2020. Isn't it time for periods to stop being viewed as a private matter or a negative experience? Isn’t it time to call out people who try to perpetuate period stigma?”
If you are interested in other Pantone trend colors 2020 and the perfect one for you If you want to find Pantone color, you canread here.
