Pantone Color of the Year 2016: Rose Quartz/Serenity

I'm back with another color report from Pantone, the color gods who do...whatever they do.  The color of the year for 2016 is . . . or "colors" with an s . . . are Rose Quartz and Serenity. From the press release:

For the first time Pantone introduces two shades, Rose Quartz and Serenity[,] as the PANTONE Color of the Year 2016. Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.

Uh, yeah. Sure, Pantone. Whatever you say. You couldn't have done that with one shade? They are basically exhibiting the same properties. But there's more:

The prevalent combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity also challenges traditional perceptions of color association. In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design.

This is a joke, right? How is blue (for "boy") and pink (for "girl") challenging traditional perceptions of gender and color? I guess their hearts are in the right place. I'm glad they're engaging in the dialogue, at the very least. Ok, Pantone, I accept your challenge. Here is a completely gender-neutral set, containing unisex items that either a man or woman could wear:

JK guys. JK.

Or neither could wear. Outside of a Florida retirement community. But don't worry. We can still goth these baby-shower colors and keep it androgynous. The obvious choice is with accessories. In the set below, I've chosen looks that would work for either men or women. Most of the clothing below is Rick Owens, who all the goth brands have copied for the past few years.

pantone color of the year 2016 2 featuring a crown ring

I didn't have to think too hard on this. It's in the name of one of the colors. The rose quartz stone and various blue stones, as light-colored stones, seem to glow against black.

Pastel folks won't have a problem. Serenity is a standard color for denim, so that's a safe bet. Rose quartz is a girly color, and is close to the pastel pink that everyone's dying their hair these days. In addition to hair, I think it's a nice color for fur and leather accessories. Wildfox couture has been combining these two colors since forever.

pantone color of the year 2016 3 featuring platform shoes

Thoughts on the "color" of the year? How would you wear them? Let me know in the comments!