Pantone 2021 Color of the Year: Celebrity List

While the pandemic limited outdoor activities and red carpet appearances this year, celebrities were still able to show off their wardrobes once restrictions began to lift. Many adopted Pantone‘s 2021 Color of the Year, “Ultimate Gray” (PANTONE 17-5104) and “Illuminating Yellow” (PANTONE 13-0647), for their sartorial choices and showed off different ways to style the emblematic hues.

When announcing its decision, Pantone described the rare dual-color selection as “two independent colors that highlight how different elements come together to support one another [and] best express the mood for Pantone Color of the Year 2021.”

“Practical and rock-solid but at the same time warming and optimistic; one of strength and positivity,” it added.

These sentiments seem to have resonated with tastemakers around the world, including A$AP Rocky, BTS and more, who styled the colors across 2021 fashion trends like Y2K, normcore, bohemian chic and power suiting. As we say goodbye to 2021 and welcome “Very Peri” as the color of 2022, we’ve taken note of the celebrities who made the colors their own. Swipe through the galleries below to see who made the list.

Illuminating Yellow

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A$AP Rocky

Attending this year’s MET Gala with his girlfriend Rihanna, A$AP Rocky walked the iconic staircase wearing an oversized floral-patterned blanket fashioned into outerwear by ERL designer Eli Russell Linnetz. Although multi-colored, the yellow primary tone stands out most.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images For Mrc

BTS

To perform their chart-topping single “Butter” at the American Music Awards, k-pop supergroup BTS color-coordinated their outfits with vivid bespoke suits designed by TAILORABLE. All the shades of yellow melted together in beautiful harmony.

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Zendaya

Like a balmy summer breeze, Zendaya graced the Oscar’s red carpet in a strapless, bare-midriff gown designed by Valentino. The vivid hue stood out across more traditional color choices.

Mike Coppola/Getty

Lil Nas X

For the MET Gala, Lil Nas X donned full metal yellow gold, Medieval-inspired Versace body armor. His choice reinterprets the Pantone color with a new flair.

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Lil Baby

Joining A$AP Rocky and Rihanna at her MET Gala after-party, rapper Lil Baby chose a sleeveless and hooded Prada vest. He accessorized the ensemble with iced-out chains, a watch, bracelets and a relaxed pair of decorative jeans.

Kevin Mazur/Mg21/Getty Images For The Met Museum/Vogue

Jeremy O. Harris

Combining both Pantone colors, award-winning playwright Jeremy O. Harris wore a voluminous Tommy Hilfiger coat to this year’s MET Gala. The outfit also paid homage to Aaliyah, who wore a similar ‘90s version of the jacket.

Ultimate Gray

Jmenternational/Jmenternational For Brit Awards/Getty Images

Headie One

British rapper Headie One swagged out the red carpet in an embellished gray metallic Louis Vuitton coat for this year’s Brit Awards.

Rosé

Giving us her version of quarantine chic, BLACKPINK star Rosé rocked a sleeveless roll-neck sweater and a comfy-cool pair of oversized wool trousers, belted with a diamond heart-clover chain.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images For Mrc

Anthony Ramos

As a presenter at this year’s American Music Awards, Hamilton star Anthony Ramos wore a sleek, floral-printed velvet suit paired with a white button-down shirt and black patent leather shoes.

Derek White/Wireimage/Getty

GRIP

Eminem’s record label signee donned a grey, single-breasted suit paired with a black fitted cap and mock neck shirt at this year’s BET Hip Hop Awards. He topped off the look with an icy chain and red-and-black Air Jordan 1 sneakers.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images For The Recording Academy

Billie Eilish

Taking “Ultimate Gray” to a mixed-media level, Grammy winner Billie Eilish activated her street style flex with a full Gucci look that incorporated pink and crystal-embellished detailing.

Amy Sussman/Getty

BTS

Staying true to their Louis Vuitton brand ambassadorship, BTS rocked the AMA’s red carpet in head-to-toe Virgil Abloh designed suits from LV’s Spring/Summer 2022 runway collection.

Beyoncé

Newly minted TikTok user Beyonce shimmered in a crystallized blazer, fingerless gloves and shoe-stockings from the “Balenciaga x Gucci” collection that won this year’s HypeAward for “Best Collaboration.”