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Every year, Pantone unveils its Colour of the Year, capturing the spirit of the times with a hue that resonates across industries—from fashion and interiors to product design. For 2025, the chosen shade is PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a soft, indulgent brown that radiates warmth and a sense of quiet luxury. This earthy yet refined colour offers eyewear designers the chance to craft frames that aren’t just stylish, but emotionally evocative—creating looks that are not only seen but felt.
Mocha Mousse: A Hug in Colour
Imagine wrapping yourself in a plush cashmere blanket and sipping a velvety hot chocolate as the world slows down around you. That’s the feeling Mocha Mousse evokes—cosy, comforting and chic. Inspired by the deep, rich tones of coffee and chocolate, this hue is a visual embrace. It’s the colour that invites you to pause, breathe and find balance in a fast-paced world. In the age of constant buzz, Mocha Mousse offers a moment of calm—a grounding force that connects us to our love of simplicity, nostalgia and emotional warmth.
But there’s more to this colour than just serenity. Mocha Mousse has a quiet elegance that’s catching the eye of top eyewear brands. Brown, once considered a neutral backdrop, has reemerged as the star of the show. Gucci, Miu Miu and Saint Laurent have been showcasing this rich brown in their collections, cementing its place as a symbol of understated luxury. In fact, Gucci’s Autumn/Winter 2024 collection saw a 5% increase in brown tones, while Miu Miu embraced the shade with open arms, dedicating 19% of their designs to this warm colour. Mocha Mousse is no longer just a shade; it’s a statement.
Mocha Mousse in Eyewear
Eyewear has always been more than a functional accessory—it’s an expression of personality, mood and identity. With Mocha Mousse making its way into eyewear collections, designers are able to create frames that are both elegant and emotionally resonant. Here’s how Mocha Mousse is transforming eyewear into a visual experience:
A Statement in Brown
Oversized frames are still making waves and Mocha Mousse is the perfect colour to make them feel bold yet welcoming. Picture large, square frames with smooth, rounded edges, their thick frames drawing attention while the brown hue softens their presence. Frames like Gucci’s GG1326S 007 use this rich tone to make a statement that doesn’t shout—it whispers, “I’m here, and I’m fabulous.” Mocha Mousse in these oversized shapes brings warmth to the boldness, creating a harmonious balance that feels grounded and elegant.
Why It Works: The deep, rich brown of Mocha Mousse creates an impact without overwhelming the design. It’s a colour that feels personal, like a secret only you and your frame know.
A Smooth Transition
Mocha Mousse is also making waves in gradient designs, where it transitions from deep brown to lighter hues like beige or honey. This gradual shift creates a sense of depth and dimension, perfect for sunglasses that mirror the play of light across the landscape. Think of a pair of frames where the dark chocolate brown at the top slowly fades into a creamy caramel—a subtle yet luxurious look. Gucci’s GG0632SA 002 sunglasses are a stunning example, with the Mocha Mousse gradually lightening as it moves down the frame, creating a sense of fluid grace.
Why It Works: The gradient effect adds a sophisticated touch of dimension, while the earthy tones keep the look grounded and refined. It’s like watching the sunset, with the frames capturing the perfect balance of shadow and light.
Metallic Accents Of Warmth
For those craving a touch of glamour, metallic accents are the perfect match for Mocha Mousse. Think gold, bronze or copper detailing that shimmers against the softness of the brown. The metallic elements uplift the colour, adding a layer of lushness that’s not too in-your-face but perfectly polished. Saint Laurent’s SL 312 M 006 frames demonstrate how Mocha Mousse can pair right with metallic accents, with gold detailing tracing the frame’s edges, adding beauty without overpowering the warmth of the brown.
Why It Works: The metallic accents create a stunning contrast with the softness of Mocha Mousse, enhancing the overall design. The result is a frame that exudes both luxury and grace—with divine rhythm.
Less is More, with a Touch of Brown
Micro eyewear is having a moment, and Mocha Mousse adds a rich twist to these delicate frames. Picture tiny, minimalist shapes in Mocha Mousse—the kind of frames that seem to float on the face, understated yet undeniably stylish. Brands like DMY BY DMY have embraced this look with frames like the Preston DMY02TBR, where the tiny frames and deep brown hue come together to create an air of cool, collected elegance.
Why It Works: Smaller frames are all about simplicity, and Mocha Mousse adds warmth and character without overwhelming the delicate design. It’s a perfect example of how less can be more, with a bit of colour that speaks volumes.
As Mocha Mousse gains traction in fashion, it’s becoming clear that this colour is much more than just a trend—it’s a cultural shift. In eyewear, it offers a fresh take on traditional designs, allowing for frames that are at once modern and classic, bold and subtle. Mocha Mousse complements a range of skin tones and styles, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to add a touch of charm, warmth and emotional depth to their collection.
In 2025, expect Mocha Mousse to take centre stage in eyewear collections. Whether it’s in bold statement frames, gradient sunglasses, metallic-accented luxury designs or minimalist micro frames, Mocha Mousse offers a sense of calm sophistication and emotional resonance that makes it the ideal choice for today’s discerning eyewear lovers.
