Early Colour 2025

Early Colour 2025

Finding Ground

The five colours of the Early Colour update want to direct us to a positive future that is slowly unfolding. The five colour are part of the 16 colours identified in Vision 2025. The colours represent different aspects of life, the world, creativity and imagination. Finding ground is important because it allows us to establish stability, clarity and direction in our lives. When we are grounded, we can connect with our inner selves and have a clear understanding of what is important to us and what we stand for. Having a solid foundation is essential for our personal and professional growth and helps us to lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

The use of these colours symbolizes the importance of preserving the earth and its resources, as well as promoting unity and stability in a divided world. Colour has a powerful impact on human emotions and desires, influencing the way we feel and behave. It is a powerful tool for inspiring positive change and shaping our future in meaningful ways.

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Left to right, Koninklijke Academie voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen, Lost in thoughts by Jonas Nemeth, Time Slip by Anthony Tremmaglia, Extreme Loafing & Idling by Relja Penezic

The five selected colours in the Early Colour update are chosen to bring stability, durability, and positivity to our lives. They symbolize the importance of preserving the earth and promoting unity in a divided world. These classic, gender-free, and neutral outdoor tones reflect a more mindful and sustainable approach to consumption and inspire positive change through their impact on human emotions. The orange and yellow tones add energy and positivity, helping to slow down the pace of life and allowing us to reflect on our values and ideals as we shape our future. These colours create a lasting foundation and a visual language that represents our collective desires and aspirations.

Marron has a warm, earthy tone that brings to mind memories of simpler times, evoking a feeling of nostalgia. Its timelessness makes it a classic colour that can be used throughout the seasons, reminding us of the comfort and stability of the past.

Left to right, British Antique Museum by Kengo Kuma,  Alexander McQueen, 20181119 by Zhou Yangming, Martine Rose Fall 2023, Bold by Rala Choi, 

Prada Fall 2023, Red Lime Tree by George Rouy, Photo by unknown

Connect

OvN-56023

Bridging

The colour Connect is a mauve tone that is gender-free. It connects the feminine and the masculine, bridging differences and uniting similarities. It creates a sense of tranquillity and serenity, making it a calming colour. Its non-restrictive nature represents the freedom of choice and the ability to connect with others regardless of gender or societal norms.

Left to right, Painting by Maja Ruznic, record by Velvet Velour, In the Begining Was the World by Kamal Boullata,  Wool wall piece by Yoko Daihara

The colour Connect is muted, and serves as a base for other tones, resulting in a harmonious balance of colours. The timeless elegance of the Connect colour combines with the modernity of sportswear, creating a unique aesthetic that bridges the gap between crafts and formal design.

Left to right, Sportmax Pre-Fall 2023, Prototype by Zhang Wenyi, Louis Vuitton Fall 2023, Textile by India Mahdavi, Photo by Emma Boomkamp, Utility Jacket by Hamcus, Sculpture by Cai Jian,  Fendi Fall 2023

Ash

OvN-73001

Blending in

The Ash colour is a greyish-brown mid-tone. It is warm yet neutral, a good colour to combine with other neutrals or a good base for other neutral shades. It has the ability to bring together nature and technology and it blends well with both organic and modern elements. Its versatility in both tactile and smooth surfaces, as well as its calming effect adds identity and character to materials.

Left to right, Reflective Solar energy Installation by Olafur Eliasson, Bamboo Skyscraper Concept by Edward McIntosh, Tweed by Carlisle & Co., Scheltens & Abbenes for Mutina

Ash is a neutral colour that easily blends with any surroundings, making it a good choice for outdoor clothes that can be worn in different environments. Its classic appearance makes it a suitable colour for wool coats, adding a timeless touch to any outfit.

Left to right, White Mountaineering Fall 2023, Subconscious of a Monument by Cornelia Parker, Chair by Enzo Mari, Photo by Jennica Atkinson, By Malene Birger, Coat by Mark Kenly Domino Tan, Bapa Srtore by Non Studio, Outfit by Magliano

The vibrant orange hue of Saffron creates a bold and confident identity. Its sportive nature represents energy and action, while its gender-neutral shade makes it versatile and easily wearable.

Left to right, Orbette Light by Ango, Outfit by Stella McCartney, Object by Florencia S.M. Brück, Outfit by Loewe, Mirai House by Sanjay Puri Architects, Textile Obkect by Tammy Langhinrichs, Human Territoriality by Roger Eberhard, Rainbow-2022-W-42 by Etsu Egami

Sensing

OvN-23016

Harmony

The yellow Sensing colour represents light. It glows and beams with optimism to make the communication between AI and humans more friendly and accessible. It symbolizes the brightness and optimism of a future where AI enhances and improves human life. Sensing represents a positive and hopeful future where humans live in harmony and collaboration with AI, leading to greater efficiency, comfort, and well-being.

Left to right, Photo by CAP 74024 magazine, Trial Object by Katsuhiro Yamaguchi, NVLink by NVIDIA, Floating inn Focus by Karolina Tomaszewska

The yellow colour Sensing is used to highlight objects and make them more noticeable, making surfaces glow with a bright and lively hue. This glow symbolizes the presence of life and energy, drawing the eye to the illumination and making it stand out.

Left to right, Dress by James Cochrane, Chair by Normann Copenhagen, Outfit by Missoni, Homme Plissé Issey Miyake, Yellow Fog by Olafur Eliasson, Stine Goya Copenhagen Fall 2023, Untitled by Hala Schoukair, Job Interview Exhibition by Andres Reisinger

Translations

* Pantone TCX reference for closest colour match to the OvN dyed swatches

The PANTONE © reference numbers shown represent the PANTONE © colours most closely related to the Oltmans van Niekerk colours displayed. PANTONE © and other Pantone trademarks are property of Pantone LLC. PANTONE colours displayed here may not match PANTONE - identified standards. Consult current PANTONE Color publications for accurate colour. Pantone LLC is a wholly owned subsidary of X-Rite. Incorporated. 

Download the Adobe ASE palette here