Pantone’s authority on colors is acclaimed around the globe, and now the New Jersey-based trend research expert has set foot in Hong Kong. Yes, Pantone has opened their first lifestyle concept store inside the Cityplaza’s Eslite Spectrum bookstore in the Tai Koo district. They call it the Pantone Lifestyle Gallery – and in the true sense – it’s a gallery of hues opened in collaboration with Issho, a lifestyle retailer. Although it’s worth pondering over the timing of Pantone’s decision to open a physical retail store in the current turbulent times of the pandemic-affected the world. Still, Pantone wants to go spread a dash of color in people’s lives who for the most part of the week are stuck in the secure confines of their homes, to truly explore colours and their impact on the human psyche. Maybe a blushing pink would give you faith or illuminating, the Pantone color for 2021 would cheer you up on dark days!
The store is spread across 600 square feet of space – draped in a dash of colors – sexy pink, cool blue, calming green, and refreshing orange – you name it and the store has it. The different displays and islands of the store are marked in blocked patterns – for example, the entrance has a sky blue hue to lure in customers. Inside, the customers will find sections to explore the homeware, loungewear, and home accessories islands. The loungewear section of the lifestyle store has trendy colorful clothes for the young generation – like sweatshirts, fabric slippers, jersey t-shorts, and more. They call it the Funmix collection which, according to Pantone explores the varying emotions and stories with bi-color combos having harmonious or boldly contrasting characters. In the homeware section, the buyers will get to explore the limited edition tableware in striking pinstripes color (four options) which comprises a coffee cup set, bowls, dishes, and more.
Along with the eye-popping retail store that brings a poop of color to the monotony of daily routine, Pantone has plans to stage events in the city this whole year to spread colors in people’s life which has gotten a bit dull lately. Also, they have a strategy in place to open an online store in June with all the updates coming to Issho 46’s social feed.
Designer: Pantone
